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George Washington.

Painting by Gilbert Stuart.
Independence Hall.

Heroes

National History

THOMAS GROETZINGER

PHILADELPHIA
FRANKLIN PUBLISHING AND SUPPLY COMPANY

E/Ti.

UEG 27 1919

©CI.A561181

PREFACE

Though the biographical approach to history has long
been recognized, only in recent years has it come into its
own. Through this approach the child's interest is aroused
and retained; he lives historical episodes through the life
of the hero. His desire to know more is quickened and
he becomes willing and eager to read historical narra-
tive.

This volume does not pretend to be a complete biograph-
ical account of any of the characters selected. The salient
features of the various lives have been emphasized and
sufficient detail given to constitute at least a minimum
requirement.

In using this volume the alert teacher will first tell the
story, striving to make the hero live for the child. She will
use many incidents and details not mentioned. She will
elaborate and complete many of those told. Then the child
is ready for the book. Its material will clinch the story
definitely. From the book he will obtain all that any
child should be required to remember.

The characters selected follow, in the main, those recom-
mended in the Report of the Committee of Eight. They
follow closely those required in the course of study for the
fifth year of the Public Schools of Philadelphia.

4 PREFACE

Acknowledgments for assistance in supplying authentic il-
lustrative material are due to Harper & Bros., G. P. Putnam's
Sons, Underwood and Underwood, the Century Co., the
Philadelphia Commercial Museum, the Pennsylvania His-
torical Society, the Pennsylvania Railroad, and the Inter-
national Harvester Co. of Chicago. Each illustration is
designed to give an accurate picture or portrait — not
merely a number of suggestive sketches that may or may
not convey a proper idea to the pupil's mind.

The author hopes that this book will solve the problem
that has long confronted teachers of the first grammar grade.
The vocabulary is simple and familiar. The sentences are
short and direct. The paragraphs aim to develop one
thought to remain clearly in the reader's mind. The bio-
graphical facts are so arranged as to throw high lights on
the principal events.

It contains no more than the average pupil can grasp and
retain. The material may be amplified in class, and the
teacher may send the child to the book confident that the
minimum essentials are there.

T. G.

August, 1919.

CONTENTS

PAGE

Benjamin Franklin 9

Samuel Adams 22

Patrick Henry 31

Philadelphia Tea Party 38

George Washington 41

Thomas Jefferson 58

John Paul Jones 63

Marquis de Lafayette 70

George Rogers Clark 76

Robert Morris 83

Anthony Wayne go

John Barry 95

John Peter Muhlenburg 102

Alexander Hamilton 107

Stephen Decatur 114

Oliver Hazard Perry 119

Stephen Girard 122

Daniel Boone 129

Lewis and Clark Expedition 138

David Crockett 150

John C. Fremont 159

6 CO^JTENTS

PAGE

Eli Whitney i66

Robert Fulton 171

Dewitt Clinton and the Erie Canal 179

The First Train 184

Cyrus H. McCormick 189

Samuel Morse 195

Alexander Graham Bell 200

Thomas A. Edison 205

Lucretla Mott 212

Harriet Beecher Stowe 217

Abraham Lincoln 220

Ulysses S. Grant 228

Jay Cooke 236

Robert E. Lee 243

Grover Cleveland 248

William McKinley 255

Clara Barton 261

Frances E. Willard 266

BENJAMIN FRANKLIN

1706-1790

TN America, the land of the free, any boy, rich or poor,
-*• may become a famous man. Many of our famous
men began Ufe as poor boys.

More than two hundred years ago Benjamin FrankHn
was born in Boston. His start in Hfe was lowly. Con-
stant work, attention to duty, and a readiness to grasp
each opportunity carried him to the top.

Franklin was the youngest son in a family of seventeen.
His father found it difficult to support such a large family.
Each son had to do his part to help. After two years in
school, Benjamin, then ten years old, began work making
candles in his father's shop.

From early morning until late at night he cut wicks
or helped dip them into the tallow. The work wearied him.
With his active mind he could not stand doing the same
thing over and over. He asked his father to let him try some
other kind of work.

Benjamin's father wished to please him, and tried to
find work for the boy in many trades. At last he decided
to place him with a printer. An older brother had a print-
ing house, so Benjamin was apprenticed to this brother to
learn the trade.

8 HEROES OF NATIONAL HISTORY

During the day Benjamin set type;' at night he read and
studied in his room. His first book was Bunyan's "Pil-
grim's Progress," which he read and re-read until he knew it
by heart. Then he sold it and bought a set of histories.

Benjamin's brother published a newspaper. The boy
wanted to write for this paper, but thought that his brother
would not print anything written by a boy. He wrote a
story and slipped it under the office door. His brother
found it, liked it, and printed it in the paper. People liked
the story, so Benjamin wrote more.

Benjamin and his brother had many quarrels. These
quarrels made Benjamin so unhappy that he decided to
run away. One night he packed his few belongings, stole
silently from the house, and started for New York.

On reaching New York he found no book-stores and
but one printing house. Its owner advised him to go to
Philadelphia. Said he: 'There are more printing shops in
Philadelphia and you may be able to find work there."

Undaunted, the seventeen-year-old lad started on his
50-mile walk across New Jersey to the Delaware River to
get the boat to Philadelphia. While on this walk he had a
fever. He remembered reading that cold water was a sure
cure. After drinking several glasses of water he went to bed.
In the morning he awoke perfectly well.

He reached the Delaware River only to find that the
boat had just left. He was in despair. Tired, hungry, and
almost penniless, he looked for a place to sleep. A kind-
hearted woman gave him a good dinner and a bed for the
night.

Early the next morning he walked to the river. There

BENJAMIN FRANKLIN 9

at the wharf was a boat making ready for a trip to Phila-
delphia. Approaching its captain, Benjamin said, ^'I want
to go to Philadelphia. May I help row the boat to pay for
my passage?" ''Come aboard!" replied the captain.

All day long Franklin helped row the boat down the
river. Toward night they landed, to wait for daylight.
Early the next morning, Sunday, they could see the city in
the distance. A few hours later the boat reached the wharf.
The tired boy started up High Street (now Market Street)
looking for food.

A boy told him the way to a bake shop, where he pur-
chased three large, puffy rolls. With one under each arm
and eating the third he walked up the street. Young
Deborah Reed, standing in her father's doorway, laughed at
the ridiculous sight. She Httle thought that this odd look-
ing boy would some day be her husband.

That Sunday afternoon Franklin spent in a Quaker
meeting-house, where he soon fell fast asleep. After the
meeting he went to an inn and had a good night's sleep.

Early the next morning Benjamin was looking for
work. He went to Andrew Bradford, who published the
"American Weekly Mercury," one of the first newspapers in
America. Bradford had no place for him, but he introduced
Franklin to Samuel Keimar, who employed him in his
printing shop.

Franklin's uncle, who was at New Castle, urged him to
return to Boston. Benjamin wrote to him telling his reasons
for staying in Philadelphia. His uncle showed this letter to
Governor Keith, who was so pleased with it that he called
to see Franklin at Keimar 's shop. The governor urged

10 HEROES OF NATIONAL HISTORY

Franklin to start in the printing business for himself.
Franklin journeyed to Boston to secure aid from his father,
but failed to obtain the money. Governor Keith then
promised to help, and persuaded Benjamin to go to London
to buy the necessary materials.

Day after day Franklin waited for aid from the governor.
Weeks went by, but no news came. It was almost time to
sail. Just before the ship sailed he heard that the governor
would meet it at New Castle, so he embarked.

At New Castle the governor failed to appear, but many
letters came aboard. Franklin thought that some of these
letters might be for him, so he contuiued the voyage. He
landed in London, however, with neither letters nor money.

He at once sought work, and secured a position in a
printing shop. He worked hard and saved enough money
for his return.

In 1726 Franklin returned to Philadelphia. For a short
time he was a clerk in a store. Then Samuel Keimar again
offered him a job in his printing shop. While here he did
all the press work, cast type, and edited the material. His
good work and the approval of his many friends made
Keimar jealous. This annoyed Franklin so much that he
decided to leave.

Meredith, a fellow-worker, suggested that . Franklin and
he should open a printing shop. Meredith's father was
willing to advance some money, so the two workers planned
to start in business.

In those days no printing material could be bought in
the colonies. The partners must send to London for their
press and type.

BENJAMIN FRANKLIN II

While they were waiting for their suppHes to come from
London, Keimar again asked Frankhn to work for him.
He had a large order from New Jersey for some engravings.
Franklin accepted and built a copper-plate press to do the
work. This was the first one ever used in America.

When their press and type arrived from England Mere-
dith and Franklin opened their shop. At first business was
dull; but little by little the two partners secured trade.
They bought Keimar's newspaper and changed its name to
the "Pennsylvania Gazette."

Its witty accounts of many happenings, its interesting
statements of the news, and its many pages of advertise-
ments soon made it the leading paper of the colony.

All printers of those days published almanacs. These
gave the days of the months and foretold weather conditions.
In December, 1732, Franklin issued an almanac called
"Poor Richard's Almanac." This was different from any
of the others. In addition to the dates and weather proph-
ecies Franklin added bits of wisdom of his own and
selections from the many books he had read. These became
maxims and were told and retold by his readers. They
were called "Poor Richard's sayings." Some of them are:

"A word to the wise is sufficient."

"Necessity is the mother of invention."

"Early to bed and early to rise make a man healthy,
wealthy, and wise."

"The early bird catches the worm."

"A penny saved is a penny earned."

In 1758 Franklin selected many of these sayings, wove
them into the story of his life, and used it as the preface to

12 HEROES OF NATIONAL HISTORY

his almanac of that year. This has been copied in nearly
every language of the world and is one of the most widely
read bits of literature in existence.

Franklin was always interested in Philadelphia, his
adopted city. While attending to his own business he also
found time to work to improve its condition.

Together with eleven friends he formed a debating so-
ciety called the ''Junto." They met every Friday evening
to discuss scientific questions and the affairs of the city.
Later this society became the American Philosophical So-
ciety, of which Franklin was the first president. This society
led by Franklin began many of the improvements made in
early Philadelphia.

At Franklin's suggestion the members of the Junto
brought books to the club room to lend to each other. When
the books began to wear out their owners took them away.
Gradually the small library disappeared. To begin a new
one Franklin suggested that fifty people be secured who
would contribute $io each and pay $2.50 a year for the use
of the books. After much work the money was secured
and an order sent to London for the books.

Soon the meeting place of the Junto became too small
for the library. They moved to a larger hall. The library
continued to grow and is still in active use. Today it is
housed in a fine old house at Juniper and Locust Streets.
It is known as the Library Company of Philadelphia. This
is not part of the city's free public library system.

In old Philadelphia there was no paid police force. A
constable was appointed who had power to call householders
to his assistance. Those who wished to avoid^ this duty

BENJAMIN FRANKLIN 13

accepted and built a copper plate press to do the work, the
first one ever set up in America.

When their press arrived from England, Franklin and
Meredith opened their shop. Business was dull, but little
by little the two partners secured trade, bought Keimar's
newspaper, and changed its name to the ''Pennsylvania
Gazette." This paper soon became the leading one of the
colony. Some of its features were its many pages of adver-
tisements, its interesting statements of the news, and its
witty accounts of many happenings.

All printers of those days published almanacs. These
gave the days of the months and foretold weather condi-
tions. In December, 1732, Franklin decided to issue an
almanac. This he called 'Toor Richard's Almanac." It
was a novelty in almanacs. In addition to the dry collec-
tion of dates and weather prophecies, Franklin added bits
of wisdom culled from his various readings and his own
invention. It became most popular. The sayings became
maxims and were told and retold by his readers. They
were called "Poor Richard's Sayings." Two of them are:

"A word to the wise is sufficient."

''Necessity is the mother of invention."

In 1758 Franklin collected many of these sayings, wove
them into a story, and used it as the preface to his almanac
of that year. This has been copied in nearly every language
of the world and is one of the most widely read bits of lit-
erature in existence.

In addition to these business ventures, Franklin was
busy in other directions.

14 HEROES OF NATIONAL HISTORY

was opened. Three years later a charity school was added
to provide for one hundred free pupils.

In 1799 this school became a college, later growing into
the University of Pennsylvania. Franklin was one of the
trustees of this college until a short time before his death.

While working to secure these public improvements he
was making inventions and studying scientific problems.

Philadelphia winters were severe and the houses were
cold. The only source of heat was the open fireplace, where
you could toast your face and hands while your back was
almost freezing. Franklin invented a stove that could be
placed in the room and which would send heat in all direc-
tions. This stove heated the whole room. Now one could
sit at the window to read or sew without being cold. Frank-
lin refused to patent this invention. He did not wish to
make money from things that gave people comfort.

Franklin was interested in electricity. He believed that
lightning is a form of electricity. To prove this he sug-
gested that a cage big enough to hold a man be placed on a
high steeple during a thunder storm. Iron wires were to be
fastened on the outside of the cage. There was no place in
the city high enough for him to try this. His suggestions
reached France and England. Scientists read them, and a
Frenchman decided to try the experiment. A cage was
built, exposed during a storm, and great sparks were secured
from the iron wires. This showed that Franklin's belief
about lightning was right.

While this was going on in France Franklin tried his
famous experiment with the kite. He and his son, William,
went to an open field near 8th and Race Streets. A silk

BENJAMIN FRANKLIN 15

kite held by a silken thread was sent into the thunder clouds.
At the end of the thread was a copper key. For a long time
they waited in the shelter of an open shed. Their patience
was at last rewarded. The fibres of the silken thread stood
up. Franklin placed his knuckles near the key and a spark
shot out. The shock he received convinced him that light-
ning and electricity is the same thing.

This discovery led to the invention of the lightning-rod.
This was simply a pointed iron stick fastened above the
highest parts of a building and connected by rods with the
earth. During a storm these rods protect the house from
lightning. Electricity is attracted to the points and is
carried to the earth by the rods just as trolley wires carry
electricity. This saves the house from damage. The light-
ning-rod is a famihar sight on buildings of today.

Franklin was a man with many interests. He worked
for his city and he also labored for his country.

In 1753 the English king appointed Franklin Postmaster-
general of the Colonies. When Franklin took the position
the mail service was poor and the roads were worse. Regular
mails were carried on horseback between New York and
Philadelphia once a week in the summer and but once in
two weeks in the winter. It took a month and a half to
receive a reply from a letter sent from Philadelphia to
Boston. There was no regular mail service to inland
towns. These towns depended on chance travelers for
their mail.

Franklin at once arranged to improve the roads. He
increased the mail service between the larger cities and
started mail routes to many of the smaller towns.

l6 HEROES OF NATIONAL HISTORY

General Braddock asked Postmaster-general Franklin to
secure wagons, horses, and food for the British army in
Virginia. Franklin secured all the materials and food needed.
For these services the British General sent him a letter of
praise.

In 1764 the colony of Pennsylvania became dissatisfied
with the government of the Perms. Franklin was sent to
England to ask the king for a change of government. Soon
after his arrival Parliament passed the Stamp Act. This
prevented Franklin from securing the king's consent to a
change of government for Pennsylvania.

Franklin opposed the Stamp Act and appeared before
Parliament to urge them not to pass it.

After the Stamp Act was passed it aroused so much anger
in America that ParHament listened to Franklin's advice
and repealed it.

However, Parliament still wished to tax the colonies, and
friends of the king proposed a tax on tea. Franklin told
thj^m that this tax would make the people in America angry.
No one listened to him, and Parliament laid the tax. As
Franklin had predicted, the American people became angry
and excited. They did not like the tax and demanded that
it be repealed. Each colony sent men to Philadelphia to
meet and talk about the actions of the English Government.
This body of men (the First Continental Congress) met in
1774. They made a petition demanding the right to lay
their own taxes.

This petition was sent to Franklin to give to the king.
Franklin made arrangements to present the petition to the
king, but the king refused to receive it. He even threatened

BENJAMIN FRANKLIN 1 7

to arrest Franklin. Franklin decided to leave England
secretly. On March 21, 1775, he sailed for Philadelphia,
arriving there a month and a half later.

He came home to stirring scenes. The battles of Lexing-
ton and Concord had been fought. Everywhere the people
were preparing for more fighting. Delegates were sent to
Philadelphia to form a second Congress. Pennsylvania made
Franklin one of its delegates.

In 1775 this Congress (the Second Continental Congress)
met in Philadelphia. Franklin was one of the leaders. One
of the first things this Congress did was to make George
Washington comimander-in-chief of the American army.

Later Franklin and two other men were sent to Boston
to secure supplies for this army. This was a difficult task.
There was little money and supplies were scarce. Never-
theless Franklin succeeded. When he returned to Phila-
delphia Congress was discussing independence. Franklin
at once used his influence in favor of independence.

Congress appointed a committee to write a declaration
of independence. FrankHn was a member of the com-
mittee. The committee met in a house on the northwest
comer of 7th and Market Streets, Philadelphia. Thomas
Jefferson wrote the paper, but Franklin helped with many
suggestions.

While the members of Congress were signing this Declara-
tion of Independence John Adams said, "We must all hang
together." ''Yes," said Franklin, "if we don't hang together
we shall all hang separately."

^ The Declaration of Independence did not make the
colonies independent. A long, hard war had to be fought

Benjamin Franklin.

Portrait at Phila. Academy
of Fine Arts.

BENJAMIN FRANKLIN 19

and won. The colonies were small and poor; Great Britain
was powerful and rich. The new government must seek
help. France did not like England. If we could get France
to help us our task would be easier.

Franklin's writings were well known in France and the
French people liked him. Here was the man to send for
aid. Congress chose him at once. Franklin sailed for France
to ask them for supplies and money.

He landed in France and was received with honors by
the French king. Franklin told the king about America
and induced him to make gifts and to lend large sums of
money without interest.

Franklin talked with many Frenchmen and filled them
with a desire to help. Secret expeditions were prepared and
started to America to assist the struggling colonists.

France looked on eagerly. She was longing for a good
chance to aid America openly, but the English successes in
New York and New Jersey made her cautious. While France
was hesitating, news of the great American victory at Sara-
toga arrived. A whole EngHsh army had surrendered to the
Americans.

Franklin seized this opportunity. He carried the news
to the French king. ''We are going to win," said he. "You
must help us more. Now is the time for you to recognize
America as an independent nation." Shortly after this
France recognized our independence. Franklin still worked
in France for the American cause and secured more money
and ships and soldiers.

With the aid thus secured the Americans defeated the
English at Yorktown, and England asked for peace. Frank-

20 HEROES OF NATIONAL HISTORY

lin was one of the peace commissioners. His wisdom,
sagacity, and insight helped to secure the full blessings of
victory to the American people.

Franklin, who was now nearly eighty years old, was
weary and wanted to return to his home. He resigned his
position and prepared to leave France. Before he left for
home a dinner was given in his honor. At this dinner the
English ambassador, rising, gave the toast,

''To England, the sun, whose bright beams enlighten the
remotest corner of the earth."

The French ambassador said,

"To France, the moon, whose mild, steady, and cheering
rays are the delight of all nations, consoling them in the
darkness."

Then Franklin rose and said,

"To George Washington, the Joshua, who commanded
the sun and moon to stand still."

He left Paris on July 12, 1785, and his journey through
France was an ovation. Crowds gathered to see him and
honor the great American. Two months later he was re-
ceived with many honors in Philadelphia on the very spot
where sixty-two years before he had landed, a runaway
apprentice.

Despite his years, the people of Pennsylvania chose him
for their governor. Franklin believed that public officers
should not be paid, so he gave his salary to help establish a
college at Lancaster.

When his term of office expired he returned to private
life for a while. His mind was still active and he amused
himself by making labor-saving appliances.

BENJAMIN FRANKLIN

In May, 1787, the aged statesman was recalled to public
life as a delegate to the Constitutional Convention. He
played a leading part in making our Constitution and in
inducing the states to accept it.

On April 17, 1790, Benjamin Franklin died at his home
in Philadelphia. He was buried in Christ Church grave-
yard. His grave at 5th and Arch Streets is marked by a
simple flat stone. Frequently one can see people pause,
amid the noise and bustle of the busy city, remove their
hats, and stand in silent homage there.

So passed "A great scientist, a great philosopher, a great
diplomat, one of the greatest among the many great men
of his day — Benjamin Franklin — above all else, a great
American."

Franklin.

SAMUEL ADAMS

1722-1803

■jORN in the same city as Benjamin Franklin, Samuel
"*"^ Adams, the son of wealthy parents, won fame and
honor in his native place. His father was a well-known
merchant and an active worker in the life of the city.

Little is known of Samuel's boyhood days. He attended
one of the public schools in Boston, and was graduated from
college. When he was nearly twenty-one years old his
father lost most of his money.

Samuel did not do very well at first. He started to be
a minister; he also studied law. Then he gave up these
ideas and entered mercantile life. He was never a success
in business. His first job was clerking in Mr. Cushing's
store. He stayed but a few months. After leaving this
job his father gave him $5000 to set up in business for him-
self. At once he loaned half of this sum to a friend and
then quickly lost the other half in his business. His father
and he opened a malt house. This too was a failure.

When Samuel was twenty-six years old his 'father died,
leaving him one- third of what was left of the estate. At
twenty-seven he married, living in a small house on the
river front.

Bradford Photo.

Samxjel Adams.

From portrait in
Independence Hall.

24 HEROES OF NATIONAL HISTORY

For some time he had been writing on poHtical topics
for the newspapers and taking an active part in the affairs
of the town. In these matters he was a great success. He
had found his Hfe work.

His interests were many and he had many positions.
He was a member of the school committee, an inspector of
chimneys, a fire warden, a member of the committee to
take precautions against the spread of smallpox, a member
of the Assembly, and for eight years a tax collector for the
town. These positions show how important he was in the
town affairs.

The closing of the French and Indian War brought
many money problems to solve. New England had been
active in this war. Money had to be found to pay the bills.
England had paid most of them and was trying to find a
way to make the colonies repay the amount.

All through New England shipping was a most important
industry. It was a common practice to bring goods to the
ports and land them without paying duties. This was
called smuggling. The best people of the country did this.
Today we think it a crime. At that time it was an every-
day affair.

This smuggling, of course, made England lose the money
from the duties. She decided to stop the practice. Old
navigation laws were revived. Later, 'Writs of Assistance"
were granted, giving the collector the power to enter a
man's house to search it for goods that had not been taxed.
These writs, of course, were unpopular. Long years of
smuggling made the colonists feel that England had no
right to stop it.

SAMUEL ADAMS 25

James Otis, a patriot of the times, resigned his position
as lawyer for the king. He took the side of the people.
In a famous speech at a trial for smuggling he used the
words that later became the watchword of the Revolution,
''Taxation without representation is tyranny."

In 1765 the Stamp Act was passed, and news of it had
come to America. The whole country rang with fierce
words against it and the English Government.

Samuel Adams began to take an active part in the
government of the city. In a paper Adams denounced this
Act, and suggested that all the colonies should unite to
resist it. So early in his career he was looking forward to
his great idea of independence. After this he suggested a
non-importation agreement.

He was made a member of the legislature of Massa-
chusetts and became its clerk or secretary. From that
time on he was the directing power in this legislature.
Nearly all of its papers were written by Samuel Adams.

Adams loved his own country and hated England
because of her harsh measures. He was opposed to the
colonies sending representatives to Parliament. Some had
suggested thisj but he said, ''No." To him nothing but
independence would do.

In May, 1766, news of the repeal of the Stamp Act was
brought to Boston. Here was a victory, but it was short
lived. Almost immediately another tax bill passed. This
laid a tax on many goods brought to the colonies, but the
one that aroused most interest and anger was the tax on tea.

Samuel Adams decided something must be done. He
could not do all the work himself. He must have help.

26 HEROES OF NATIONAL HISTORY

He started at once to teach the people. He proposed to
the legislature that they form a committee to write to all
the towns of New England. This committee should tell
these towns what was happening in Boston and at the same
time spread the thought of resistance. The legislature ap-
pointed the committee, making Samuel Adams a member.
This committee was called the Committee of Correspondence.

They wrote their letters and waited for answers. The
idea became popular. A great many towns formed similar
committees. Letters went back and forth, so that the peo-
ple were gradually brought to the thought of sticking to-
gether to resist the harsh acts of the English Government.

As soon as the Committee of Correspondence was
appointed the governor compelled the legislature to adjourn.
A convention was soon called to take its place.

An old law was revived under which steps were taken
to send Samuel Adams to England for trial for treason.
These failed, and Adams kept on working steadily.

In 1768 two British regiments arrived in the port of
Boston. They landed and were quartered in the town.
The sleeping opposition of the people was at once aroused.
''Why should British soldiers be placed in our town?"
and "Why should we have to pay for their keep?" were the
questions of the excited town folk.

The Assembly reconvened. Adams at once presented
resolutions demanding the withdrawal of the troops. The
governor replied that he had no authority to do this.

News of Patrick Henry's resolutions in the House of
Burgesses, Virginia, now reached the Assembly. They were
adopted at once. The city was aflame with indignation.

SAMUEL ADAMS 27

A non-importation agreement was adopted by the mer-
chants of the town. Those who received Enghsh goods had
their names posted in pubHc places. New York suggested
that this agreement be continued until the revenue acts
were repealed. This, too, was adopted. The non-importa-
tion agreement was spreading over the country.

The presence of the red-coats kept the people excited.
Numerous conflicts occurred between them and the people.
The greatest offenders were the men from the rope-walk or
factory. Daily these men insulted the soldiers. From these
insults small riots started. One of these caused the soldiers
to fire, killing several of the townspeople. This incident is
called by the big name "Boston Massacre." At once the
calls for the removal of the soldiers redoubled in violence.

A town meeting was called in old South Church. Through
the crowded streets passed Samuel Adams, hatless, his white
hair glistening in the sun. Bowing in every direction he
whispered, ''Both regiments or none." The meeting started.
They demanded the removal of the troops. Some one
offered to remove one regiment. ''Both regiments or none,"
insisted the people. Governor Hutchinson refused.

A committee was appointed to see him. Samuel Adams
headed the committee, marching through the narrow streets
followed by the people. Again they were refused.

They returned to the Old South Church. On all sides
the watchword, "Both regiments or none," rang out.

A second committee waited on the governor. This time
he yielded and the soldiers were withdrawn to the "Castle"
in the harbor. "Sam Adams' regiments," as the English
now called them, had left the town.

28 HEROES OF NATIONAL HISTORY

The Committee of Correspondence continued their
work. All the news was sent to the various towns and their
interest and help asked for. More than anything else this
committee kept alive the interest of the people and drew
them into closer bonds of union.

A new source of trouble and unrest now started. The
EngHsh Government had decided to tax tea. News of tea-
laden ships starting for America reached the colonies.
October i8th the port of Philadelphia requested the agents
of the Tea Company to resign. They did. Boston did the
same, demanding that the representatives of the Tea Com-
pany appear under the ''Liberty Tree" to state what they
would do. The representatives refused.

The Committee of Correspondence at once sent out its
letters. All the nearby towns on Massachusetts Bay re-
plied, agreeing to help resist the landing of the tea.

On November 28th a ship laden with tea entered the
harbor and anchored under the protection of the guns of
the warships lying there. Later two more ships arrived.

Meanwhile a mass meeting was held in Faneuil Hall.
The people demanded that the tea be sent back to England.
The Tea Company said it had no power to send the tea
back. Armed colonists watched the tea ships. They
planned to be sure that no tea was landed.

All over the city placards were posted, giving the news
from the other towns. A meeting was called in Faneuil
Hall. It was too small for the crowds. They left, going to
Old South Church. The meeting-house was packed to the
doors. Outside in the streets an anxious crowd filled every
available space. Something must be done soon. Tomorrow

SAMUEL ADAMS 29

was the last day. Then the revenue officers could seize the
tea and land it under the ships' guns. Resolutions demand-
ing that the governor order the return of the ships were
sent to Governor Hutchinson. The messenger returned with
his refusal.

Samuel Adams rose, 'This meeting can do nothing more
to save the country." It was a signal. At once a war whoop
rang out. Citizens dressed like Indians dashed through the
church, out into the streets, and hurried to the wharves.
They boarded the ships, joined by other citizens. The
chests of tea were opened into the sea. Three hundred and
forty-two chests of tea went overboard. Quietly the tea-
party withdrew and paraded home. The "party" was a
great success. News of this action was sent all over the
colonies. Paul Revere rode into Philadelphia with the news
just before Christmas.

Adams now openly talked of independence and became
a marked man. A price was put on his head by the Eng-
lish Government. They tried to capture him, but always
failed.

In quick succession moved the events of the time. Boston
Harbor was closed, the battles of Lexington and Concord
were fought, the great war for our independence had begun.

In Philadelphia the First Continental Congress met.
Samuel Adams was a delegate from Massachusetts. He
could be seen moving quietly around talking to this member
and to that, telling his news and quietly spreading his idea
of independence.

Then the Second Continental Congress met. Adams
was again present. This Congress was more determined.

3a HEROES OF NATIONAL HISTORY

Independence had more friends. Samuel Adams did not
dare to make a motion about declaring independence. He
feared that the delegates would refuse to vote for it if he
did. Instead he talked quietly to the delegates until they
were in the right mood. Then Richard Henry Lee moved
a declaration of independence. Samuel Adams was de-
lighted. He had brought about the great aim of his life.

Samuel Adams was active at all times during the Revo-
lution and during the time we were governed by the Arti-
cles of Confederation.

These Articles were too weak. Some time after the war
ended a convention was called to make a new Constitution.
When this was done the various states were asked to ap-
prove. In Massachusetts Samuel Adams for a long time
opposed the new Constitution. He was in favor of town
meeting government. Finally, however, he decided to urge
the ratification of the Constitution. Massachusetts at once
adopted it.

Later Samuel Adams was elected governor of Massa-
chusetts, serving three different terms and filling the office
honorably and creditably.

Aged eighty-one years Samuel Adams passed away.
He was buried in Boston. His grave, marked by a simple
stone, is still in King's Chapel Churchyard.

Throughout this long period of public service Samuel
Adams gave his whole time to the service of his country.
His only income was his salary as clerk of the Assembly.
He gave no thought to his personal fortune. Every effort
was for his country.

PATRICK HENRY

1736-1799

IVTEW England boys were not the only ones to become
•^^ famous. This is the story of a southern lad, Patrick
Henry, a native of Virginia.

The schools in Virginia were very poor. Patrick went
to a common English school until he was ten years old.
After that he was taught at home by his father.

Patrick Henry was not fond of his school nor of his
books. He liked to wander off into the woods, looking at
the beautiful trees, and listening to the singing of the birds.
He would lie for hours on his back looking at the waving
branches overhead, thinking of nature and man. One of
his greatest joys was fishing. He could spend hours watch-
ing his cork bob up and down on the placid waters of the
river. Who can say that these hours spent in quiet thought
were not to prepare him to take his mighty part in forging
the new nation on this side of the Atlantic?

Throughout his Hfe this love of nature persisted. After
working hard he took his relaxation in the woods, either
hunting or fishing.

When he was fifteen years old he became a clerk in a
country store. At sixteen his father bought him a store
and set him up in business.

Underwood Photo.

PATiacK Henry.

From old portrait.

PATRICK HENRY 33

In those days the village store was the gathering place
of the debaters of the town. Patrick used to ask questions,
making the debaters tell him their opinions. He care-
fully concealed his own. Thus he was learning the atti-
tude of the people and learning how to read the popular
mind.

The store was a failure. After a year he had to sell out
to pay his debts.

He married at eighteen years of age and turned farmer.
Three years later his successes were turned into failure by
the burning of his houses. Selling some of his slaves, he
started another store. The times were against him. The
tobacco crop failed. He could not pay his debts. It is true,
trade was good, but no one had money to pay. Again he
gave up the store.

What should he do? His family had to be fed and clothed.
He studied law for six weeks, took the examination, and
passed.

He had found his life work. His first case of value was
the suit of the ministers against the colony for the increase
in their salaries. The king had ordered that each minister
should receive more tobacco as pay. The crop failed.
Tobacco rose in value so that the old amount equalled that
which the king now ordered to be given the clergy. The
Assembly voted not to give the additional tobacco. The
clergy sued the colony for their allowance. Patrick Henry
represented the colony. His eloquence won. He boldly
stated that the king was tyrannous to order the increase
after the House of Burgesses had refused it. His fame as a
lawyer was established.

34 HEROES OF NATIONAL HISTORY

Many cases came to him, and he ^j^as able to take care
of his family.

He was now twenty-eight years old. His county sent
him to the House of Burgesses. Troublous days were
ahead. Calamity was in the air. Great unrest was every-
where in the various colonies.

Over in England a young and unwise man was king,
George III. A great war had been won by England, and
the treasury was nearly empty. The colonies were a great
cost. Why not make them help pay? So the king argued.
Unfortunately for England, he chose the wrong way. A
Stamp Act was passed in 1765. In each colony every news-
paper, all contracts, all wills, and many other papers had to
bear a stamp.

At once trouble began in the colonies. Why? Today
we must do things like this. Stamps must be placed on
various papers. No one objects. What caused the trouble
in 1765? The colonies objected because England made this
tax without asking their consent.

In Virginia many spoke of objecting, but Patrick Henry
said, '^Resist." He presented resolutions in the House of
Burgesses. In these he said that all the colonists had the
same rights and privileges as men and women born in
England. He declared that no one had the right to tax
the people but their representatives in their own legislature.

The House of Burgesses was astonished. This was an
attack on the king. Many of the members started forward
in their chairs. Patrick Henry rose to speak. His uncouth
clothes, his shuffling form, and his hesitating speech made
them marvel why he tried to speak. Gradually he forgot

PATRICK HENRY 35

himself, thought only of his people and their rights. His
voice rang out, his audience began to listen, to become
convinced. Suddenly he declaimed, "Caesar had his Brutus,
Charles I his Cromwell, and George III" — he paused; cries
of ''treason, treason," resounded from the delegates — ''may
profit by their example," he continued. "If this be treason,
make the most of it!"

The resolutions were adopted by a majority of one vote.
His speech rang through all the colonies, strengthening and
encouraging the patriots.

You will remember how Samuel Adams proposed com-
mittees of correspondence in Massachusetts. We are now
to go a long step forward. A Virginian suggested that each
colony form a committee and so keep in touch with the
happenings in the other colonies. In this way the work
done today by our newspapers was accomplished. Patrick
Henry became the leading member of the Virginia committee.

The English Government repealed the Stamp Act, but
passed the tax on tea. So the unrest in America continued.

Patrick Henry was made a member of a convention to
^ meet in Virginia. This convention chose him one of the
delegates to meet with the First Continental Congress in
Philadelphia.

Up to this time no one was talking of independence. No
one was thinking of resistance, except a few earnest men like
Samuel Adams and Patrick Henry.

He returned to Virginia. He went to the convention,
now taking the place of the House of Burgesses. Here he
made the greatest speech of his career. His reputation as
an orator had been made. When he rose to speak all listened

36 HEROES OF NATIONAL HISTORY

eagerly. Rapidly he told of the harsh acts of England, of
the troubles in Massachusetts, of the possibility of similar
measures coming to Virginia, and then he said, "I know not
what course others may take, but, as for me, give me liberty
or give me death!''

This speech carried the day and resolutions placing the
colony in a position of defence were passed.

His next step was to organize the militia. As in Boston,
the EngHsh Government ordered the removal of the gun-
powder stored in Richmond. This was done at night. Pat-
rick Henry and his militia-men marched on the governor's
house. They could not secure the powder. It was gone!
They compelled payment for it and a promise that it would
be returned.

In Virginia he advocated a Declaration of Independence.
His eloquence induced the legislature to pass a resolution
telling its delegates to the Second Continental Congress to
introduce a motion declaring the colonies free and inde-
pendent states.

Patrick Henry was a member of the Second Continental
Congress. His voice was raised constantly in favor of
independence. He helped develop this idea. Unfortunately,
he was compelled to return to Virginia, so did not sign the
Declaration of Independence.

On his return to Virginia Patrick Henry was made a
colonel and commander of all the forces of the colony.
He did not shine in military life. Disagreement among the
councils caused him to resign and return to private life.

Later on, as governor of Virginia for five terms, he
played a great part in the strengthening of his state.

PATRICK HENRY 37

In 1789 Patrick Henry opposed the ratification of the
Constitution by Virginia. He felt that the new government
would be too strong; that it would soon become a monarchy.

Fortunately, the majority did not agree with him this
time, and Virginia ratified the Constitution.

Patrick Henry was easily the greatest orator of his day.
His earnest conviction of the righteousness of the American
cause, his earnest words to the American people, and his
constant hard work toward bringing about the success of
this cause were most powerful in helping bring the Revolu-
tionary War to a happy conclusion.

Patrick Henry died quietly at his home, aged sixty-
three years, the same year that George Washington passed
away.

THE PHILADELPHIA TEA PARTY

T X /"RESTLING with the wilderness to make homes,
^ ^ struggling each day to get the bare necessities
of life made the American colonists a strong, sturdy
people. This strange, new life, where each one had to be a
real man, made them self-reliant and independent. The
mother country was far distant. It had made httle attempt
to make the Americans obey English law. Now a change
had come. The Stamp Act had caused much excitement,
but it had been repealed. Then Parliament made a new
tax law. All tea brought to America had to be taxed. The
tax was low, indeed, but it made the people angry. They
wanted to lay their own taxes. The colonists thought that
England had no right to tax them. All over the colonies the
people banded together to refuse to pay the tax.

In some places tea was dumped into the sea, in other
places stored in damp cellars and made to spoil. No one
would buy the tea.

Philadelphia was active in this opposition and the
citizens arranged a ''tea party" of their own. Word came
that tea ships were sailing up the river. The citizens'
committee wrote a httle letter. This was printed and a copy
given to each pilot on the river. Copies of these papers are
still in existence and are most interesting.

Capt A YRES,

Of the Ship P 0 Z/ L T» on a Voyage from London to Philadelphia^

S I R.

WE arc informed that you have, imprudently, taken Charge of a Qiiantity of Tea-, which has been fent
out by the Inata Company, under ibe Aufpiees of the Mimjlry, as a Trial ot American Virtue md Rc-
foiunon.

Now, as your Cargo, on your Arrival here, will mofl afluredly bring you into hot water; and as you
are perhaps a Stranger to the i Parts, we have comluded to ad viie you of the prcfcnt Situation of Affairs in
Philadelphia— ihzi, taking TirTie by the Forelock, you may flop fhbrt in your dangerous Errand---fccurc
your Ship againft the Rafts of combuftiblc Matter which may be fet on Fire, and turned loofe againft herj
and rporc tlian all tins, that you may prefcrvc your own Pcifon, trom the Pitch and Feathers that are pre-
pared for you.

In the firft Place, w^muft tell you, that the Pennlylvanians are, to a Man, pafRonately fond of Freedom-,
the Birthright o^ Americans-, and at all Events are determined to enjoy it.

That they fincerely believe, no Power on the Face ot the Earth has a Right to tax them without their
Confcnt.

That in their Opinion, the Tea in your Cuftody is defigned by the Miniftry to enforce fuch a Tax,
which they will undoubtedly oppofc-, and in fo doing, give you every pofliblc Obftrudlion,

We are nominated to a very difagreeable, but necefiary Service- -• To our Care are committed all
Offenders againft the Rights ot America ; and haplefs is he, whofe evil Deftiny has doomed him to fuffer ac
our Hands.

You are fent out on a diabolical Service-, and if you are fo foolifti and obftinate as to compleat your
Voyage i by bringing /our Ship to Anchor in this Port; you may run fuch a Gauntlet, as will induce you,
in your laft Moments, moft heartily to curfc thofe who have made you the Dupe of their Avarice and
Ambition.

What think you Captain, of a Halter around your Neck- — ten Gallons ot liquid Tar decanted on your
Pate — with the Feathers of a dozen wild Geefc laid over that to enliven yoOr Appearance?

Only think ferioufly otthis-— and fly to the Place from whence you came— -fly without Hefiration- —
without the Formality of a Proteft-- -and above all, Captain ^rr« let us advifc you to fly without the
wild Geefc Feathers.

Your Friends to ferve
Fhiladelphia, Nov. 27, 177J THE COMMITTEE as hefm fubfcribed

Photograph of Old Printed Letter or ''Broadside'" Sent to Capt. Ayres.

From original in Penna. Historical Society.

40 HEROES OF NATIONAL HISTORY

The letter warned the pilots not to .bring the ship up the
Delaware. The letter said, "All agree that tar and feathers
will be his portion who pilots her into the harbor." Each
pilot was requested to show a copy to Captain Ayres in
command of the tea ship "Polly."

The letters warned Captain Ayres that burning rafts
would be sent against his ship, and that he would be tarred
and feathered if he were caught. "What think you. Cap-
tain, of a halter around your neck, ten gallons of liquid tar
decanted on your pate, with the feathers of a dozen wild
geese laid over that to enliven your appearance?"

Thus was the hospitality of the city offered to Captain
Ayres. He was advised to fly without the geese feathers!

The ship "Polly" reached Chester. Here it stopped.
The letter was given to Captain Ayres. He read it carefully.
Tar and feathers did not appeal to him, so he turned about
and returned to England. No other tea ship came to
Philadelphia. The captains did not wish to provoke the
patriotic citizens.

GEORGE WASHINGTON

1732-1799

A NOTHER southern boy, who became one of the
-^•^ greatest men who ever Hved, was George Washing-
ton, who was born in Virginia in a small town near the
Potomac River. Soon after his birth the house was burned.
The family moved to a place near the iron works on the
Rappahannock River.

Washington was a large, big-boned boy. He was strong
and fond of sports. Good schools were rare in Virginia in
those days. The nearest school to his home was a very
poor one. He attended this school for a time and was also
taught by his mother. Washington's mother was a born
leader. She was resolute, determined, and a great lover of
the truth. Washington inherited these traits of character
from her.

At school he met Richard Henry Lee. This friendship
grew and continued throughout their lives.

George's brother, Augustine, married. The boy Wash-
ington went to live with him, so that he could attend a
good school near his brother's house. He stayed with him
until he was sixteen years old.

Tales of adventure in the army and of the wonders of
the sea were told to the boy. He became filled with a desire

42 HEROES OF NATIONAL HISTORY

to go to sea. Another brother, Lawrence, secured him a
commission as midshipman. His uniform was bought, his
chest packed, and himself ready to board the ship. But it
was not to be. His mother said ''No." Like a dutiful
son, George obeyed, gave up the glories of the sea, and
returned to school.

At this time George began to study surveying. For a
long time he worked hard, making surveys and plots of all
the land around the schoolhouse. These were done with
skill and accuracy.

Meanwhile his brother Lawrence became a captain of
Virginia troops. These went to Jamaica to assist English
forces there. On his return to Virginia, he married. About
this time their father died, leaving the estate on the Potomac
to Lawrence. He called it Mount Vernon. On the summit
of the hill, overlooking the calm waters of the Potomac, he
built a fine mansion for his bride. This was later to become
George Washington's home.

A few miles away, at Bel voir, lived Lord Fairfax, one
of the richest men in the colony. He owned enormous
estates, so large that he did not even know their boundaries.
The Fairfaxes lived in good old English style. They were
neighbors and relations of Lawrence Washington. The two
families frequently visited each other. Of course, George
came to his brother's and so became acquainted with Lord
Fairfax. This soon ripened into friendship and mutual
regard. They talked together, camped out, and hunted.

One day rumors of people settling on Lord Fairfax's
land came in. This could not be permitted. But first the
land must be surveyed. George Washington was asked to

GEORGE WASHINGTON 43

do the work. He was just sixteen years old. The surveying
party was made up. Lord Fairfax's cousin, George Washing-
ton, and a few others formed the group.

It was winter time and very cold. Picture the task
before them. Through huge forests, along untrodden paths,
by unexplored streams, over hills and valleys they must go.
But a stout heart and a strong body can do anything.
Undaunted, away they started. After four weeks of hard
work, combined with adventures and hardships, they fin-
ished the job, returning to their homes.

Lord Fairfax was pleased. Now he had exact knowledge
of his boundaries and an accurate map.

Other people wished their estates marked out. George
Washington was appointed public surveyer of the colony.
He held this position for three years. The surveys he made
have stood the test of time. So accurate were they that
they are still in use. '

The knowledge of the woods and land, obtained while
surveying, was to be useful to him. Stirring times were
coming. Rumors of the advance of the French into the
English lands were coming across the mountains. Each
returning wanderer through the wilderness told a new tale
of French forts and French work with the Indians. They
were nearing the Monongahela and Allegheny Rivers. Ef-
forts must be made to strengthen the English claims.

Meanwhile Washington was preparing. He studied
military rules, drilled, and took lessons with the sword.
Governor Dinwiddle decided to send a messenger to the
French warning them that they were trespassing on English
land. He chose Washington.

44 HEROES OF NATIONAL HISTORY

Now his long experience in the woods would be useful.
With Christopher Gist, two interpreters, and four frontiers-
men he started on the long journey to the Ohio River.
Snow and rain made travel almost impossible. Still they
pressed on through the forests. At last the Monongahela
was reached. It was swollen and rushed swiftly along.
The horses could not carry the baggage and swim the river.
So the baggage was placed in canoes and floated down to
the meeting-place. The men and horses swam across.

They followed the river banks toward the Ohio. Wash-
ington saw that the junction of the Monongahela and Alle-
gheny Rivers would be an ideal place for a fort.

He busied himself talking with the Indians, trying to
undo the work of the French. Finally, he persuaded some
to go with him to the French commander. Reaching the
fort, they were received with every courtesy. Washington
knew, however, that the French were trying to coax his
Indians to leave him. Finally, the French officer gave him
an answer to carry back to the governor.

It was in the heart of winter, the day after Christ-
mas. Heavy snows had fallen. The cold was intense.
The horses were weak from lack of food. They could
scarcely carry their packs. Progress was very slow. At last
Washington decided to take Gist and go ahead, leaving the
others to follow with the horses. They pushed on. An
Indian appeared, fired at them, and vanished. They knew
he would go for help. It was necessary to reach the river
that night. On they pushed, half-frozen, their cold, numb
fingers clinging to their guns.

There, at last, was the river, but it was not frozen over!

GEORGE WASHINGTON 45

They must cross. With a small hatchet they prepared a
raft and pushed off just before d-^rk. Washington was
pushing on a long pole. A cake of ice crashed against the
pole and he was thrown into ten feet of ice-cold water.
With great effort he managed to reach the raft. Shivering
and cold, they tried to guide the raft across the river, but
the swift current carried them down the stream. Just as
darkness was falling they reached a small island.

Abandoning the raft, they went ashore, spending the
night alone on the island in the midst of the river. Pic-
ture the two men, wet to the skin, spending this cold win-
ter night on the bleak island. When morning dawned the
river was frozen, so they walked ashore. Soon they reached
a dwelling, where hardy pioneers welcomed the cold shiver-
ing men, drawing them close to the warm fire.

They secured horses and hurried home. Washington
gave Dinwiddle much valuable information about the
country, the attitude of the Indians, and the ideas of
the French. Washington now knew more about the roads
and forests than any other man in that part of Virginia.
Governor Dinwiddle decided to send a force to build a fort
where Pittsburgh now stands. Washington was to com-
mand. Companies were formed and drilled.

Meanwhile the French had built a fort there, calling it
Fort Duquesne.

The Virginians, led by Washington, started out. In
order to move their light cannon they had to build roads as
they went along. They reached the Ohio in good order.
Then they discovered the French fort. Some difficulties
occurred with a French advance regiment. Washington

46 HEROES OF NATIONAL HISTORY

ordered his men to fire — the first gun fired in the French
and Indian War.

Falling back about ten miles, the Virginians constructed
a hasty fort, calling it Fort Necessity. Washington knew
that he could not hold this against the French unless rein-
forcements arrived. The French attacked. The Virginians
defended the fort bravely, but it fell. Their bravery was
recognized. The French permitted them to march away with
their arms and ammunition.

Washington was now made a Colonel and Commander-
in-chief of all the Virginian forces. These forces were few
in number and pitifully equipped. They had Httle pay,
scanty clothing, and practically no arms or ammunition.
Nevertheless many influences were at work to send this
force on. Colonel Washington in a letter to Lord Fairfax
gave him all the facts, asking him to use his influence to
prevent the order to march forward. This he did.

Soon a new force appeared in the field. A large EngKsh
army of finely equipped men landed, led by Major-General
Braddock. Braddock was a veteran of many wars. He
knew perfectly how to handle his men under regular rules of
fighting. He did not know the Indians nor their ways of
warfare. A man like Washington, who knew the ground
thoroughly, would be most useful in this expedition. Gen-
eral Braddock invited him to become his aide.

The expedition started. The soldiers, erect, handsomely
clad, with polished arms, made a gay and impressive sight.
Laden with wagonloads of provisions and heavy guns, the
line advanced slowly. Each stream had to be bridged.
Roads had to be built or repaired.

GEORGE WASHINGTON 47

Suddenly, while they were marching in parade order,
shots rang out. Men fell, but no enemy could be seen.
The firing seemed to be everywhere. The EngHsh replied,
sending volley after volley into the woods, though they could
see no one. They formed in a compact square, making a
fine target for the hidden Indian sharpshooters.

Braddock fell mortally wounded. The soldiers began to
run. At this point Washington assumed command. He
placed his Virginia troops behind trees, returned the In-
dians' fire, and covered the retreat of the English. His skill
saved the remnants of the army from total destruction.

About this time Lawrence Washington's daughter died
and George became the owner of Mount Vernon. He mar-
ried a wealthy widow, Mrs. Custis, and settled down on his
estate. He worked early and late to make it the best in
the colony. His neighbors, however, would not let him
remain in private life. He was elected to the House of
Burgesses.

The Stamp Act and the tax on tea had, as you have read,
caused great opposition in the colonies. Up in Massa-
chusetts the port of Boston had been closed to commerce
by the English. A call was sent out for delegates of all the
colonies to meet in Philadelphia.

The Virginia House of Burgesses appointed George
Washington one of her seven delegates. In company with
Patrick Henry and Edmund Pendleton he rode on horse-
back from Mount Vernon to Philadelphia. It took five days.

This congress, called the First Continental Congress,
met in Carpenter's Hall, now on a little court running south
from Chestnut Street, Philadelphia, between Third and

48 HEROES OF NATIONAL HISTORY

Fourth streets. Then it had an open view to the Delaware
River. Large trees were all around it. Today it is sur-
rounded by tall buildings, hidden so completely that it is
almost invisible from the street.

Washington was not an active figure at the meetings,
but he was a powerful member and a great worker on the
various committees. This Congress did little but pass a
Declaration of Rights, which was sent to King George III.
Its greatest work was the friendships made among the various
delegates. It paved the way for the second congress.

Returning to Virginia, Washington made a report to the
House of Burgesses. He recommended that the colony begin
at once the training of soldiers. His clear foresight saw
battles in the near future. Prepare for the trouble was his
idea.

Companies sprang up all over the colony. Each chose
Washington as their commander. This made him prac-
tically the commander-in-chief of all. Drilling went on
actively.

In 1775 the Second Continental Congress met in Phil-
adelphia, this time in the state house now called Indepen-
dence Hall. The delegates assembled. They knew each
other and trusted each other. The air was full of excite-
ment. The delegates looked determined.

In Massachusetts the iron hand of the king was being
felt. Soldiers had been sent to take charge of the city of
Boston.

In the small towns of Lexington and Concord, just out-
side of Boston, the patriots had stored quantities of powder.
The English soldiers marched to remove this. Paul Revere

GEORGE WASHINGTON 49

rode through the night to warn the Americans. Men sprang
to arms all over New England. They were well named
^'minute men/' for they came at a minute's notice. Hastily
snatching up their muskets, they hurried toward Lexington.
They opposed the English soldiers. The first guns of the
Revolution were fired. Americans fell on Lexington Green.

All the powder was safely hidden before the English
reached Concord. The English soldiers were now compelled
to return to Boston. But their return was most difficult.
All along their line of march hidden minute men poured
shot after shot into their ranks. They hurried, they ran
panting to Lexington, where reinforcements from Boston
were waiting. The tired troops rushed to the green and
sank exhausted on the ground. American minute men had
faced and defeated the trained EngKsh soldiers.

News of these stirring events reached the Congress in
Philadelphia. John Adams suggested that Congress adopt
this New England army and appoint a commander. Many
of those present thought this was New England's own
trouble and that a New England man should command.
Not so John Adams ; he saw clearly that the whole country
was in danger. He knew that it must cease to be a sectional
fight. So he suggested that a Virginian delegate should be
made the commander.

All knew whom he meant. There sat George Washing-
ton in his miHtary uniform. His successes in the French and
Indian War were known. He was the best known military
man in the country. A delegate from Maryland nominated
him and he was chosen.

Washington was reluctant to accept. He did not think

50 HEROES OF NATIONAL HISTORY

himself qualified, but neither could he Refuse the call of his
country for his services.

He accepted, and again he was on horseback, riding to
Boston. On the way a courier met them bearing news of the
Battle of Bunker Hill. ''Did they stand the fire of the reg-
ular troops?'^ Washington asked anxiously. ''That they did,
and held their own fire in reserve until the enemy was within
eight rods," replied the courier.

"Then the Hberties of the country are safe," said Wash-
ington.

He rode to Cambridge. There on the Public Common,
under a great elm, he took command of the army. And
such an army ! Men from all over the country ; no uniforms,
not enough guns; very little powder, no discipline. Each
man thought himself as good as his officers. They had not
learned to obey. With this raw material an army had to be
formed to oppose drilled regular troops. It was, indeed, a
giant's task.

The British held Boston. South of the city was a range
of low hills, known as Dorchester Heights. Washington
secretly seized the hills and mounted his cannon. Boston
was besieged. Under Washington's guns the British fleet
floated quietly in the harbor. "Leave the city or we'll blow
your ships out of the water" was the message to the English
from the American general.

General Howe planned to take the Heights. Rains
caused delay. The Americans strengthened their fortifica-
tions. An attack now would mean great losses for the
EngKsh. They remembered Bunker Hill and the terrible
accuracy of the American sharpshooters.

GEORGE WASHINGTON 51

General Howe ordered the retreat. The troops embarked
and the ships sailed away. So Boston and New England
were rid of the enemy.

Many of the minute men had now gone home. Wash-
ington's army became smaller, yet he knew that New York
would be the next point to guard. If an enemy army should
hold this place, the country would be divided. Washington
hurried to New York. The enemy appeared. Washington
had to retreat. The darkest days of the Revolution
began.

The little American army hurried for safety across New
Jersey. A large army of English followed closely. Wash-
ington's men barely left a town as the English entered.
The Delaware was reached. The army crossed and en-
camped on the Pennsylvania side. The English were wait-
ing for the river to freeze.

It was Christmas. The English were having a fine time
in Trenton. Across the bleak river Washington's ragged
army was quietly at work. In open boats they crossed,
skilfully avoiding the ice-cakes. They landed and swiftly at-
tacked. In the battle one thousand English prisoners were
taken. Soon afterward the victorious troops defeated a part
of Cornwallis' army. Hope broke through the clouds of de-
spair. From mouth to mouth the glad news traveled. New
strength and courage came to the people. Thoughts of win-
ning crowded out those of yielding. Washington's success
at Trenton turned the tide of defeat into one of victory.

Washington's army went into winter-quarters at Morris-
town Heights, In the spring news of Howe's advance toward
Philadelphia started the Continental Army toward that

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city. The British took the city. They felt they could almost
ignore the American troops.

In October, 1777, Washington attacked them at Ger-
man town. The English soldiers held German town Road,
the approach to the city. The Americans attacked. It was
cold and foggy. In the fog some American forces, mistaking
their own advancing troops for the enemy, fired on them.
This caused confusion. The Americans retreated. This
attack had failed.

The winter season was coming. Time to drill and
strengthen the forces was needed. Washington went into
winter-quarters at Valley Forge.

Valley Forge is about 20 miles from Philadelphia, on the
Schuylkill River. It is a beautiful valley surrounded by
low hills. The hills were fortified. There were no houses.
Tents would not do for the cold winter weather. The
army was divided into groups, each group to build a log
hut for its home. The men worked like Trojans. There
was but one thing in abundance, and that was fuel.

Money was scarce. Congress had been compelled to
flee from Philadelphia. Each state was too much inter-
ested in itself. They did not send their share of the money
needed. The little army was in winter-quarters, but they
had no comforts. Some one has thus described a soldier
at Valley Forge: ''His bare feet peep through his womout
shoes, his legs nearly naked from the tattered remains of
only one pair of stockings, his shirt hanging in strings, his
hair disheveled, his face wan and thin, his look hungry, his
whole appearance that of a man forsaken and neglected."
The officers were little better cared for. And all the time

54 HEROES OF NATIONAL HISTORY

snow was falling, roads were frozen. Tracks of blood
from the poor feet were everywhere. Still they did not
give up. But with supreme bravery held on until the
spring.

The horses died of hunger. Men had to drag the
sleds over the snow. Washington, despairing of help from
Congress, compelled the villagers nearby to bring food to
the camp. These villagers had been selling their produce to
the British for good prices.

About this time Baron Steuben came to America to
help. He was a brilHant drill master. Reaching Valley
Forge he started work. Drill went on every day. Each man
worked hard to learn and to keep warm. Under the Baron's
instructions the ragged army became veterans, trained to
meet any force.

Good news came to the Valley. Burgoyne, an English
general, had surrendered with his whole army, at Saratoga.
Because of this France openly acknowledged our indepen-
dence. Troops and ships were sent to America. The news
brought renewed courage to all. A French fleet in the
Delaware would make the English leave Philadelphia.

General Howe did not wait. Not wishing to be trapped,
he left Philadelphia for New York.

Washington started in pursuit. The American Army,
with some French troops under Lafayette, met the Eng-
lish at Monmouth in New Jersey. The Americans won.
The EngHsh retreated to New York. So was victory ob-
tained in the Middle States.

The battles now turn to the South. In spite of their
strength in the South, the English at last were compelled to

GEORGE WASHINGTON 55

retreat. They took a strong position at Yorktown, in Vir-
ginia, General Cornwallis in command.

An English force under General Clinton was in New
York. Washington decided to join his forces with those
before Yorktown. General Clinton was not to know this,
so Washington left a portion of his troops to keep Clinton
busy. These troops kept strengthening their fortifications
and making a show of attack. Meanwhile the greater por-
tion of the American troops hurried to Virginia.

A French fleet was off the coast of Virginia. The fleet
and the army attacked Yorktown. Cornwallis surrendered.
The war was practically over. All that remained was to make
a treaty of peace. Washington did not take part in this.
His work was still with the army.

Receiving no pay for some time, the American troops
decided to mutiny. Washington used his personal influence,
called the troops together, spoke to them. They decided to
wait, and were at last paid.

After the treaty was signed Washington bade farewell to
his officers and returned to his home at Mount Vernon.
He was not to stay there long.

Conditions were bad everywhere. Congress was power-
less to help. There was Kttle money and not much trade.
Either the new nation must ask Europe to help or make a
stronger government. The people decided to help them-
selves.

Eleven years after independence was declared a con-
vention was called in Philadelphia to strengthen the new
government. Virginia sent Washington as a delegate. The
convention elected him their presiding officer. Many de-

56 HEROES OF N.VTIONAL HISTORY

bates were held, many knotty questions settled. Finally
they agreed, and our present Constitution was the result.

Again Washington returned to Mount Vernon. His
work was not yet done. The new Constitution was attacked
everywhere. He wrote letters to all his friends explaining
the new form of government. He pointed out the dangers
of not adopting it. He urged them to vote for it and to
influence their friends to vote too.

After many anxious days the new Constitution was
adopted. From all over the nation came the call — ''Wash-
ington must be our first president. '^

Again called from his home, he traveled to New York
City to take the oath of ofhce as first President of our
country.

He held this office for eight years. During this time
he guided the new nation into safe paths and started it on
the road to success. His wisdom and sagacity kept us out
of more troubles with Europe; prepared the way to pay our
debts; and made possible the steady growth which made
the new nation the strongest nation of the world.

At the end of the eight years he refused to be re-elected.
At this time he wrote his ''Farewell Address." Beware of
foreign entanglements was his advice. Don't bother with
affairs in Europe. Attend strictly to your own business.

Then he returned to Mount Vernon to take up a farmer's
peaceful life. He stayed in seclusion for but a short time.
War broke out with France. He was summoned to take
charge of the army, and obeyed. This was his last public
duty.

Soon after the close of the short war he took cold

GEORGE WASHINGTON

riding round his estates. He sank rapidly, passing away at
his home in 1799. He was buried in the family vault at
Mount Vernon, overlooking the beautiful Potomac River.

So ended the Hfe of one of the greatest men of America.
He had given himself unselfishly to his country. A grate-
ful country still enshrines him in its heai*t. Washington still
stands out for all of us — a model of good citizenship, a model
of service for all.

Washington.

THOMAS JEFFERSON

1743-1826

T 7"IRGINIA has given many famous sons to our coun-
^ try. You have read about George Washington and
Patrick Henry. Thomas Jefferson was another Virginia
boy. He, too, cUmbed the ladder of fame.

His father was a wealthy and respected citizen, holding
many ofhces of honor in his county. He gave his son,
Thomas, a good education. Jefferson studied law and was
admitted to its practice. At this time he met Patrick
Henry.

Although Jefferson owned a number of slaves, still he
did not believe in slavery. The conditions of life in Virginia
compelled him to hold them.

When twenty-six years old he was elected to the House
of Burgesses. It was in this house that Patrick Henry made
his famous speech about George III.

About five days after Patrick Henry's speech the governor
of Virginia adjourned the House of Burgesses. The dele-
gates then met in convention. They decided to learn
what the other colonies were doing. So they took Samuel
Adams' idea of Committees of Correspondence. Jefferson
was made a member of the committee. He was a brilHant
writer of letters and well fitted for this task.

He was appointed a member of the First Continental
Congress where he met John and Samuel Adams.

Thomas Jeffersoxn. 'XiffSVashington.

6o HEROES OF NATIONAL HISTORY

At a convention in Virginia he wrote a series of resolu-
tions on independence. These finally reached England.
He was declared a traitor.

He was also a member of the Second Continental Con-
gress. This Congress was face to face with the tyranny of
the king in Boston and with the resistance of the people.

What were they to do? Richard Henry Lee, of Vir-
ginia, moved that "These Colonies are and of right ought
to be free and independent states." Congress adopted this.
Thomas Jefferson was made the chairman of a committee
to write a Declaration of Independence.

He retired to his rooms on the southwest corner of
7th and Market Streets, Philadelphia, to write. The Dec-
laration, in his own handwriting, he showed to Franklin
and John Adams. They made a few corrections and sug-
gestions. He recopied it. Congress received it. Many and
long were the debates. Finally, they approved it on the
afternoon of Thursday, July 4, 1776. The great news
spread rapidly. The ''Liberty Bell' was rung, guns were
fired, bonfires were lighted, and there was much rejoicing.
On the following Monday morning the Declaration was
read to the people assembled in Independence Square.

Jefferson was sent to France to assist Franklin. He
helped make the Treaty of Peace that closed the war. When
Franklin returned to America, Jefferson was made Ambas-
sador to France.

After the Constitution went into effect Washington made
Jefferson Secretary of State. Here he had little opportunity
for much public work. He was Vice-President with John
Adams, and later President of the United States.

THOMAS JEFFERSON 6l

As President his most important work was the purchase
of the Louisiana territory.

At the close of the Revolutionary War our boundaries
were the Mississippi on the west and Florida on the south.
Florida and the land west of the Mississippi were held by
Spain.

It was the custom for the farmers along the Mississippi
to float their produce down the river to New Orleans and
store it there while waiting to sell it. Suddenly Spain closed
the port of New Orleans to these men. At once a great
outcry against this arose all over the country.

Meanwhile there were changes occurring in Europe.
Napoleon had seized power in France. He induced Spain
to give him Louisiana. Then he began preparations to
make settlements in the new world. This might have been
dangerous to America's interest.

The American minister to France, Mr. Livingstone,
tried to buy New Orleans. Jefferson wished to secure this
port. So he sent James Monroe to assist in the purchase.
France did not wish to sell. Napoleon was eager to establish
a big empire in America, but troubles between France and
England began to grow. Napoleon needed all his resources
in Europe. Moreover, he needed money. Then he offered
all of Louisiana to America for $15,000,000. Our delegates
seized the opportunity and bought this immense tract of land.

Had the President power to make this purchase? Many
thought not. Congress, however, ratified the act and gave
the necessary money. This made our western boundary
the Rocky Mountains.

No one knew anything of the new land. It had to be

62 HEROES OF NATIONAL HISTORY

explored. Meriweather Lewis and William Clarke were
employed to make the trip. They traveled to St. Louis.
With three boat-loads of trinkets for the Indians they
started on their long voyage up the Missouri River.

About the same time Zebulon Pike paddled up the
Mississippi to find its source. He succeeded. He then
went overland to the mountain now called Pike's Peak, the
height of which he measured. After many adventures he
reached Washington safely.

These two explorations showed the extent of the new
land and its many wonderful possibilities. Later it was
opened for settlements. Soon settlers flocked to the fertile
plains and new states were assured.

When Jefferson's term of ofhce expired he returned to
Monticello, in Virginia. He spent the rest of his life there.
His home is near the great Natural Bridge. Many people
came to see the wonder and spent several days with the
former President. His house was always open to them.
So many came, in fact, that he was unable to receive them
without going into debt. His debts grew until he had to
sell his library to pay a portion of his bills. His health
gave way. He died July 4, 1826.

After his death his estates were sold for debt and his
family left penniless. Grateful citizens and a few states
subscribed funds to provide for his destitute daughter.
Virginia did nothing.

Jefferson lives today in our memories through the
Declaration of Independence, the University of Virginia,
and the purchase of Louisiana. This last was easily the
greatest act of his Hfe.

JOHN PAUL JONES

1747-1792

A MERICA, the land of opportunity, drew some of its
-^■^ famous men from all parts of the world. John Paul
Jones was a Scotch lad. His home was in a little town
near the sea. His father was a gardener. The boy's
real name was John Paul. He did not care for gardening,
but early developed a love for the sea. Daily he built small
boats and sailed them in little fleets. He was the natural
leader of the boys of the village. He went to school until
he was twelve years old. He studied hard, forming a habit
that followed him through life.

One day he was given a small sail boat. He went fishing.
Returning, he made a skilful landing. So skilful was it,
that a sea captain, noticing it, offered to take him as cabin
boy.

At thirteen he went to sea, making his first trip to Vir-
ginia. He stayed there with his brother for two years, work-
ing on the plantation. When his brother died he left John
Paul his estates.

He shipped aboard a slave ship. Disliking the work, he
left at the end of the first voyage. He took passage to
Jamaica. On the voyage the officers died. Jones assumed

64 HEROES OF NATIONAL HISTORY

command, bringing the ship safely home. As a reward for
his services the owners made him captain. Jones, now but
twenty years old, was captain of a merchant vessel. How
he must have studied and worked to fit himself for such a
position !

When twenty-four years old he decided to leave Scot-
land forever and make his home in Virginia. About this
time John Paul changed his name to John Paul Jones.
This was in 1773. Soon after war broke out between the
Colonies and England. Jones offered his services to the
Continental Congress. He was made a Heu tenant on Com-
modore Hopkin's flagship. Over this ship he hoisted the
Rattlesnake Flag of the Revolution.

Hopkins was neither active nor courageous. He let
golden opportunities slip through his fingers. His slowness
permitted the English to move their supplies from New
Providence. Again, in the Bahamas, his fear caused him
to avoid combat. He was afraid to start for home. Jones,
angered, ascended the topmast with the pilot and directed
the ship home.

Hopkins was dismissed from the navy. Paul Jones was
placed in command of the 'Tro\ddence," a small sloop
carrying twelve ''four pounders," or small cannon. In this
vessel he convoyed military stores from New England to
Long Island for Washington's army. This was most dan-
gerous. The waters swarmed with British war vessels.
This suited Jones. For where danger was great, there he
liked to be.

One day he saw the British ship "Milford." Finding
that he could sail faster, he kept just out of gunshot. Broad-

Underwood Photo.

John Paul Jones.

From an old portrait.

66 HEROES OF NATIONAL HISTORY

side after broadside was hurled at Mm. All fell short.
A marine stationed on the stern of the ''Providence"
was ordered to fire his musket at the British ship. Jones
played this game until he was tired. Then hauling
sharply on the wind, he showed the British a clean pair of
heels.

His next ship was the "Ranger" — a small boat carry-
ing eighteen light guns. The Stars and Stripes had just been
adopted. Paul Jones with his own hands hauled it to the
mast head. For the first time the stars and stripes floated
over an American war vessel. His orders took him to
France to see Franklin. On leaving America he was
promised the command of a large frigate, then building in
Holland.

Arriving in France Jones refused to enter the harbor
until the French ships and forts saluted his flag. Amid
the cannon roar he sailed in. Leaving his ship, he visited
Franklin. Franklin was much impressed by the dashing
young naval officer, but had to disappoint him. The
frigate was sold.

Despairing of securing a better ship, he turned the
"Ranger's" bow seaward. He sailed to the coast of Eng-
land, landing at St. Mar>^'s Isle. His crew mutinied. They
wanted to plunder the town. Jones had to let them take
some things. Later he paid the owners out of his own
pocket.

He set fire to the shipping in White Haven, but failed
to destroy the ships.

While lying off the harbor, he saw the ''Drake," an
Enghsh war vessel in the harbor. "Come out and fight,"

JOHN PAUL JONES 67

said Jones. Slowly the ''Drake," hindered by the wind and
tide, sailed forth to meet the foe. The battle began. In
one hour and four minutes the "Drake" struck its colors.
Up went the stars and stripes. The two ships sailed for
Texel, Holland, and from there to France, where Jones was
received with great applause and honors.

Meanwhile, Franklin was trying to secure a fleet from
France. Delay after delay occurred. Paul Jones sent
message after message. Fretting at the delay, he picked
up "Poor Richard's Almanac." This sentence met his eye:
'Tf a man wishes to have any business faithfully and ex-
peditiously performed let him go himself; otherwise, send."
At once he started for Paris.

Instead of a fleet, strong and able, he was offered an old
Indian merchant vessel. He took it, calling it the "Bon
Homme Richard." A frigate, the "Alliance," was added,
and three other boats. The small fleet set sail for the shores
of England. Twice they sailed up the Firth of Forth to
Edinburg, and twice contrary winds blew them out to sea.
They harassed the shores of England, terrifying the people
along the coast.

One day sails appeared coming round the headland.
They were forty British merchant ships and two war vessels,
the "Serapis" and a smaller war vessel. At once prepara-
tions for battle were begun. The "Serapis" was a fine
new frigate carrying forty guns. Its captain and crew were
brave and eflicient. The "Bon Homme Richard" was just
one-half as strong, and an old, old ship.

At 7 o'clock in the evening the British ship hurled a
broadside into the "Richard." The poor old ship staggered

68 HEROES OF NATIONAL HISTORY

and swayed. Paul Jones himself fired the first gun from
his ship. The "Richard's" heaviest guns were old and un-
safe. When they were fired, several of them exploded, kill-
ing many of our own men. Still the fight went on. The
heavy batteries of the "Serapis" tore huge holes in the
''Richard." Paul Jones then forced his ship up to the
^'Serapis" and with his own hands lashed the two ships
together. Just then the "AUiance" approached and Jones
thought help was coming. Instead, the "Alliance," com-
manded by the treacherous Landais, sailed twice around the
combatants, then fired a broadside into the "Bon Homme
Richard" and sailed away.

While the battle was raging the "Richard's" flag was
shot away. A voice from the "Serapis" shouted, "Have
you surrendered?" Jones replied, "I have not yet begun to
fight!" American sharpshooters climbed into the rigging
and drove the English from the deck of the "Serapis." One
sailor crept out on a yard-arm with a bucket full of hand
grenades. Casting the grenades on the "Serapis," one struck
a heap of ammunition, causing a terrible explosion. Our
cannon-fire shot away the enemy's foremast. Just before it
fell. Captain Pearson hauled down the English flag and
surrendered. This closed one of the most remarkable sea-
fights in history.

The "Bon Homme Richard" was riddled. Every effort
was made to save the old ship, but nothing could be done.
Slowly it settled, then took its final plunge to the ocean
depths, with the star-spangled banner still proudly floating.

Paul Jones sailed the "Serapis" to France, his fame
forever established in American history.

JOHN PAUL JONES 69

Soon the war ended. Paul Jones remained in charge of
American naval affairs until 1787. At this time he accepted
an offer to enter the Russian service. Here he was un-
fortunate and unhappy.

In 1790 he returned to France, where he died in 1792.

In 1905 an American party was sent to France. Paul
Jones' bones were exhumed, carried to America, and buried
with great honors at Annapolis, Maryland.

LAFAYETTE

1757-1834

FAR away in the beautiful land of France lived a
famil}^ of warriors named Lafayette. In many wars
they had fought hard and long for their country. In
the course of time from this warlike stock was born a
boy who not only fought for his own loved land, but
crossed the great ocean to help the struggling colonists in
America.

This boy, Lafayette, was born in 1757, just a little while
after the news of his father's death had reached the family.

Lafayette was educated in the best schools of the day.
He was his mother's constant companion. They walked
together in their gardens and in the nearby woods. Day
after day she told him of his ancestors and their daring deeds.

At twelve years of age he went to school in Paris. Soon
after this his mother and grandfather died. He was now the
Marquis de Lafayette.

His king sent for him. The youthful Marquis pleased
him. The king made him a page, or attendant to the queen.
From this time on he was in royal favor. Lafayette joined
the Royal Guards.

In 1776 the young Marquis was at the fortress of Metz,
in Loraine, commanding a company of artiller}'. The Duke

LAFAYET'JU': 7 1

of Gloucester, brother of King George 111, had been banished
from England. He came to a dinner party at Metz. At
the table he read a letter from England telling of the re-
bellion in America.

Lafayette listened with interest. He was filled with a
great desire to help the struggling patriots. With his friend,
DeKalb, he planned to go to America.

They visited the American Ambassador, Silas Deane.
''We will make you a Major-general. But we have no
money to pay you or ships to carry you across the ocean,"
said Deane. Lafayette was determined. "I'll serve without
pay and I'll build a ship to take me to America," were his
noble words.

Secretly the expedition was prepared. The French king
was not yet ready to help America openly. Lafayette must
act secretly or his arrest and detention in France would
result. His ship was sent to Spain. One night Lafayette
DeKalb, and twelve others crossed the Pyrenees Moun-
tains, hastened to the coast, boarded the ship, and sailed
away, just as the king's messengers reached the port with
orders for him to stay in France.

The French ship reached America safely, anchoring off
the coast of South Carolina. The party landed and drove
to Philadelphia, reaching there about the time the English
were planning to attack that city.

Lafayette was now only twenty years old. Congress
made him a Major-general. Washington appointed him
one of his aides. The youthful general was wounded at
Brand}' wine Creek, while bravely resisting the advance of
the British.

LAFAYETTE 73

You will recall how Washington continued attacking the
British around Philadelphia until winter made him go into
winter-quarters at Valley Forge.

The French patriot spent that winter with his men in
Valley Forge. The example of this faithful French ally,
suffering hunger and cold for a country not his own, fired
the Americans with enthusiasm, helping them to stand the
strain. Lafayette shared their few joys and many suffer-
ings through all that terrible winter.

News of the defeat at Saratoga reaching France caused
that nation to recognize our independence. The French
king could now openly praise Lafayette. Congress thought
that Lafayette could help us in France, and after the battle
of Monmouth he sailed to his native land.

The king received him with great honors and joy, for-
giving his disobedience and restoring him to favor. La-
fayette assisted Franklin in securing money, troops, and
ships from the king.

He could not stay long in France. The call to active
service was too strong. He returned to America and to the
army. Benedict Arnold was leading a British force into
Virginia. Lafayette was sent to oppose him. The Marquis
joined General Wayne's forces. Cornwallis succeeded Ar-
nold, and retreated to York town.

Washington's troops hurried from New York. The com-
bined American forces, uniting in attack with the French
fleet, forced Cornwallis to surrender.

Shortly after this Lafayette returned to his home in
France.

In 1784 he returned to America to visit Washington at

74 HEROES OF NATIONAL HISTORY

Mount Vernon. The two friends made many trips together,
visiting the scenes of their active operations in the war.
With hearty expressions of regard they separated, to see
each other no more.

Lafayette went to France. In his own beloved land he
was called to help his own people. He helped them secure
more liberties from the king. A terrible revolution started.
Lafayette tried to prevent murder and outrages, but the
people were too excited to hsten. Many, many people were
killed.

Lafayette was seized by the Emperor of Austria and put
in jail. This king was afraid of the Marquis. He feared
to have his people listen to the tales of American and
French liberty. Lafayette was in prison until Napoleon
became ruler of France. Then all French prisoners were
released.

President Monroe sent Lafayette an invitation to \dsit
America. With his son, named for George Washington,
Lafa}'ette visited the nation he had helped to free. A great
ovation met him in New York. Triumphal arches awaited
his entry to the city. Parades and receptions met him
everywhere.

He drove on the newly completed roads and sailed on the
Erie Canal. He visited every one of the twenty-four states,
marveling at the growth of this new land.

Congress, grateful for his many services, voted him
$200,000. Many of the states offered him gifts, but he
refused them.

On July 4th he listened reverently to the reading of the
Declaration of Independence in New York City. No doubt

LAFAYETTE

as he listened he thought of the stirring tale told years ago
at Metz, that brought him to America.

Just before leaving for France he visited Washington's
grave at Mount Vernon, entered the vault and stood with
bared head and tearful eyes, before the grave of his friend.

Returning to France, he took an active part in the life
of that country until his death in 1824.

On October 19, 1898, the anniversary of the Battle of
Yorktown, a grateful republic held celebrations in honor of
the Frenchman, Lafayette. In every town and city through-
out the nation our debt to Lafayette was acknowledged.
Money was collected to erect a monument in Paris to his
memory. The monument was dedicated July 4, 1900. His
memory is still revered in this great republic. It was at his
tomb in France that General Pershing stood in 191 8 with
bared head, saying, "Lafayette, we are here!"

GEORGE ROGERS CLARK

1752-1818

T^VEN a very poor boy who lived in the woods when
-*— ^ our great nation was young could become famous.
George Rogers Clark was such a boy. He was born in
Virginia. His boyhood days were spent in the woods on
the frontiers of that great state. Here he learned self-
reliance, the habits of the Indians, and how to shoot straight.

At the age of twenty-five he went to Kentucky. He
worked as a surveyor. He was with Daniel Boone on a
number of his trips and adventures. Here he perfected
himself in backwoods' skill. He learned the wilderness
paths and the lay of the land.

Each fresh Indian attack made him think how to stop
the trouble forever. ''We can't kill all of them," he thought.
''Why are they attacking us? Most of them come from the
north of us. I wonder if the EngHsh are keeping the Indians
excited?" The more he thought, the clearer came the idea
that the EngHsh were responsible. "We must destroy the
EngHsh power in the north," thought he.

The English held the land north of the Ohio River.
They had three important forts — Kaskaskia, Vincennes,
and Detroit.

GEORGE ROGERS CLARK 77

He made up his mind to lead an expedition to take
these forts. Friends of his visited the towns. They learned
that the French residents did not like the English and would
welcome a change. They also found that the English were
stirring up the Indians for an attack.

In 1777 Clark left Kentucky on a long trip to Virginia.
He needed money and men. So he visited the governor
of the state, Patrick Henry. Patrick Henry hstened to his
tale with great interest. Virginia had no money just then.
Its energies were being used in the east in the conflict with
England. Henry spoke to his friends. Among them they
contributed £1200, about $6000. This was secretly given
to Clark. At the same time he received a commission as
Colonel and authority to raise 350 men to protect Kentucky
from the Indians. Secretly he was told to use these men to
attack the English in the northwest.

In January, 1778, he began to choose his men. He could
not expect many from Kentucky. They were needed at
home. In the Appalachian region he expected to find his
men. He could enlist but 150. They started, floating down
the Ohio River to its Falls. Here they were met by some
volunteers from Kentucky and from Virginia.

''Men," said Clark, "we are going to attack the English
at Kaskaskia." Loud cheers rang out. All the men w^ould
rather fight than eat. They were sturdy, rugged men, used
to living in the woods. All were dead shots with the rifle.

Near the falls they built a fort, remaining until the fol-
lowing June. Then breaking camp, the small force floated on
down the Ohio till they passed the mouth of the Tennessee.
Leaving their boats, the men started through the woods to-

78 HEROES OF NATIONAL HISTORY

ward Kaskaskia. The woods were thick. Almost every
step had to be chopped out with their axes, but they pushed
on.

On July 4th they were within three miles of the town. A
captured family ga\'e them the welcome news that their
advance had not been discovered.

That night they made the attack. Fifteen of them went
to the fort, the remainder entered the town. The attack
on the fort was rapid. The fifteen men rushed to the com-
mander's room, captured him, and then in quick succession
the remaining officers.

A series of war whoops rang out in the still night. This
was the signal for the town force to act. Yelling like demons,
they rushed through the town. Loud commands were given
to everyone to stay indoors.

The next day the town was searched for arms. The
innocent townsfolk were terrified. Colonel Clark soothed
their fears, and told them that France had agreed to help
the United States. That made all of them happy. Said he,
''Each one of you is free to worship God as he wills." At
once the Americans were received with cheers. The priest
was so pleased that he made a trip to Vincennes and told
the people of Clark's generosity. He induced them to
leave the English, and the American flag was raised over
that to\Mi.

Clark knew, however, that his work was not finished.
He knew that General Hamilton, the English commander,
would not lose these forts without a struggle. Hamilton
was called the "Hair-buyer" by the Americans. It was said
that he paid the Indians for Am.erican scalps.

GEORGE ROGERS CLARK

Hamilton, with a large force of French Canadians, at
once left Detroit for Vincennes. {lis approach brought
about the surrender of the fort. It was now winter. Ham-
ilton decided to wait until spring before making other at-
tacks. He sent the greater portion of his forces back to
Detroit.

Colonel Clark's troubles were now beginning. He must
either attack or wait to be attacked. His volunteers wished

Map showing route of Clark's expedition.

to go home. Their time of enlistment was over. Many
of them did go home. Nothing daunted, Clark enhsted
the French citizens of the town. He trained them daily
until they were in good fighting shape.

That winter was one of heavy snows. Between Kas-
kaskai and Vincennes were frozen marshes and snow-
covered wildernesses. A sudden thaw filled this section
with water. The river rose, adding to the flood. Never-

8o HEROES OF NATIONAL HISTORY

theless, Clark decided to advance. He knew that he must
take Vincennes by surprise or not at all.

He started early in February, 1799. With him were
170 American and French soldiers. The first week of the
advance was not as bad as expected. They secured some
buffalo and had a feast. The remainder of their journey
was wading or swimming. A large canoe was built to carry
their baggage and to ferry the men across the deep channels.
At no time were they in less than three feet of water.

Fancy the march! In February, in Ohio — wading and
swimming for seventeen days to attack a fort.

They marched on. Food was scarce. The floods had
driven the animals away. At night they had barely enough
dry land for their camps. The men demanded that they
return. Clark encouraged them to advance.

When fifteen days from Kaskaskia they crossed the
Wabash River. It was raining. No land was in sight ex-
cept the tops of little hills. Many of the men were so weak
from exposure that they had to be carried in the canoes.
The others were often in water up to their chins. Still they
pressed on. In the distance, over a dreary waste of water,
appeared the forests around Vincennes.

Threats of mutiny were heard on all sides. Clark took
his usual place at their head, ordered his officers to take the
rear and shoot any one who refused to go on. Then he
led the way into the water. It turned bitter cold. Their
clothes froze on them. All but the strongest began to give
out when half-way across. Those who fell were put in
the canoes or carried by their comrades. Exhausted, they
reached the high land and fell to the earth.

GEORGE ROGERS CLARK 8 I

A captured Frenchman told Clark that Hamilton did
not suspect his coming and that the- townspeople hated the
EngKshmen.

Waiting until his men had rested, warmed themselves,
dried their clothing and guns, he sent the prisoner to the
town with a "proclamation" stating that he would attack the
fort that night, and that if any one wanted to warn the Eng-
lish, to do so, and then stay in the fort and fight for their lives.

His name and troops terrified the people. Not one went
near the fort.

At 7 o'clock the attack on the fort was begun. Hamilton
could not believe he was attacked. He thought some
drunken Indians were shooting. The rising moon, however,
showed him white men all around. He at once opened fire
with his cannon. Clark's sharpshooters picked off the men
at the cannon as fast as they approached the guns. This
silenced the cannon.

Fifty men were sent to the village to prevent an attack
from the rear. This was fortunate. A band of Indians had
just returned from the war path. Scalps dangling at their
belts enraged the white men. They attacked them, killed
a number, captured six, and forced the rest to flee. The
prisoners were tomahawked, scalped, and thrown into the
river. The French Canadians in the fort were terrified.
They feared that this too would be their fate.

"Surrender!" said Colonel Clark. Hamilton refused, but
he knew he could not hold out. His garrison was too fright-
ened to fight effectively. He asked for three days truce.
*'No terms but the surrender of yourself and the garrison,"
was Colonel Clark's stern reply.

HEROES OF NATIONAL HISTORY

On February 25th the fort surrendered. The American
flag was raised. Vincennes was again an American station.
Hamilton was sent a prisoner to Virginia.

Clark's splendid victories gave us the right to demand
this land when the Revolutionary War was over. Our
peace commissioners claimed that the land was ours because
we had won it. When the peace treaty was signed ^ve
secured all the land between the Ohio and the Mississippi
Rivers and northward to the Great Lakes. Clark's superb
efforts and untiring enthusiasm had won this great tract
of land for our country.

George Rogers Clark.

ROBERT MORRIS

1734-1806

A GAIN our land, with its many openings for bright
^^' boys, drew to itself a boy born in England. Robert
Morris, a sturdy Briton, sailed across the great ocean to
Philadelphia when he was fourteen years old.

At that time Philadelphia was a small but growing town.
None of its streets was paved and its houses were nearly
all made of wood.

Robert Morris came to Philadelphia to be a trader. He
secured a job as clerk in Willing's Mercantile House. This
store was something like what we call a country store today.
Mr. Willing imported many things from England, selling
them to his neighbors.

Robert was a sturdy, energetic boy. He worked hard
until late in the night. He had determined to be rich.
When he was twenty years old he became a partner in the
store. On the shingle outside the door Willing and Morris
now proudly swung in the breeze. Robert brought new
life and energy into the business. It branched out and
became one of the most important stores in the town. He
became known as a man who could be trusted and whose
word was as good as his bond.

84 HEROES OF NATIONAL HISTORY

Robert Morris lived in stirring times. England had
passed the Stamp Act, as you have learned, and then the
tax on tea.

The merchants of the country were aroused. Morris
was one of the first to sign the agreement not to buy any
more goods from England. He kept this agreement strictly.

Such a sturdy, honest man would, of course, take an
active part in the civic hfe of his town. Morris was a
leader in pohtics. He was elected to the legislature of the
colony. This legislature made him one of the delegates to
the Continental Congresses.

The Second Continental Congress found him opposed
to independence. Morris still felt a love for the mother
country. He hoped that the government would stop its
harsh acts and that the colonies would remain a part of
Great Britain. So he voted against the Declaration of In-
dependence on July 4, 1776. On August 2d, however, he
had changed his mind. Independence was the only remedy,
so he signed the Declaration of Independence.

Soon Robert Morris was to be heart and soul in the Revo-
lution. His firm was the largest importing house in the
city. They also conducted a kind of bank. His training
and business connections naturally made him a leader in
money matters.

Money affairs were in bad shape. Trade with England
had been cut off. Our merchant ships were in danger of
capture by English war vessels. In spite of this, many
ships left our harbors. One safe voyage would pay for
several lost ships. Morris made a fortune in this way.

Congress, however, could not secure enough money to

ROBERT MORRIS 85

pay the soldiers and to buy food, clothing, and powder.
It had little power to make the states pay. It could only
ask the states for money, and they would send what they
wished. For a time it looked as if we must lose because
there was little money in the public treasury and no way
to secure more.

Congress asked Robert Morris to help raise money,
making him Superintendent of Finance. This was in 1781.

It would be most pleasant reading if we could state
that Robert Morris made everything go right. This would
not be the truth. He worked hard, very hard. By tre-
mendous labor he found enough money to keep the army
together and to secure powder.

In this effort Franklin's work in France was most help-
ful. The money loaned by the French Government gave
Morris a start and kept him going.

Many stories are told of Robert Morris and his lending
his own money to help. There is but one time that we know
of when he actually loaned his own money. All that he
loaned was paid back to him before the end of the Revolu-
tion.

Toward the close of the war Washington was in New
York. He decided to go south with his army to unite with
General Greene and Lafayette before Yorktown. This sounds
easy today, but it was a great task then. First of all, money
was needed. Money was needed to pay for the ships to take
the troops down the Chesapeake and to buy their food. We
needed money to buy powder and other supplies. This was
Morris' task. How could he find it? From several French
officers he borrowed $20,000 and did the work.

Bradford Photo.

Robert Morris.

From the Stuart portrait,
Independence Hall.

ROBERT MORRIS 87

While he did not use his own money to pay our debts, he
did use his credit to borrow money for us, and the financial
success of the Revolution was due largely to his patriotic
efforts.

In his work to find money to carry on the war he was
hindered because there was no bank. In 1781 he planned
to build a bank in Philadelphia. This was called the Bank
of North America. It is still in existence at Third and
Chestnut Streets. Morris was one of its stockholders, but
never an officer. The bank made many enemies. Never-
theless, Morris was able to use it to borrow money for the
United States.

Congress still refused to levy taxes and the states re-
fused to give money. Again Congress turned to France to
borrow. Robert Morris said, ''No. It is not honest to
try to borrow when you are making no arrangements to
pay your debt.'' He resigned, but a few months later he
was again induced to take the position.

The army was giving a great deal of trouble. The
soldiers had not been paid for months. They threatened
to mutiny. Some of them did start to march on Philadel-
phia. Washington's influence stopped this. Then Morris,
by hard labor, raised money for the soldiers. They were
paid off with notes. While these notes were worth only
twenty cents for a dollar, still the army disbanded peace-
fully.

After the army had been disbanded Morris was able to
reduce the expenses of the government. In spite of this,
however, he still needed money. He tried again and again
to raise monev. At this time he used his own credit to

88 HEROES OF NATIONAL HISTORY

borrow money for the government. We must remember,
however, that he was repaid in full and never lost a cent
through his efforts for his country.

On November i, 1784, he again resigned and retired for
a while from the affairs of the central government, but re-
mained active in his state and city.

The war was now over. The old motive of common de-
fense had disappeared. The Union was gradually going to
pieces. Commerce was in poor shape. Each state made
its own laws, never thinking of its neighbors. Something
had to be done. A convention was held in Philadelphia to
make a new Constitution — to ''form a more perfect union.''
Robert Morris was one of the delegates.

He did not take an active part in the convention, but
he did use his power and influence to secure its ratification
by his state.

He was one of the first senators elected from Penn-
sylvania.

All this time Morris continued his own private business.
He engaged in trade with China, and is said to have made
great wealth. During these prosperous days he lived in
the old mansion house on what is now known as Lemon
Hill, Fairmount Park. Here Washington frequently stayed
when he was in Philadelphia.

Thinking that Congress might make the seat of the
capital near Trenton, he bought great tracts of land there.
These he hoped to sell later at good prices. This was his
first step toward disaster. These lands never brought a
good price. Then he bought a tract of land in the wilds of
New York. This he sold and made a great deal of money.

ROBERT MORRIS . 89

The fever of speculating in land entered his blood. He
bought an enormous amount of unsettled lands. Improve-
ments did not come. He could not pay his creditors. He
gave note after note, but no money could be found. This
was his country's opportunity. A helping hand at this time
would have saved him from dishonor. But no help was
offered.

At last the crash came. On February i6, 1798, when he
was sixty-five years old, he was arrested and placed in jail.
He was there three years, six months, and ten days. His
family was in dire distress. His friends tried to help him,
but his debts were too large. He had very little money
and his lands were worthless.

Washington heard of Morris' misfortune. He loved him,
and wanted to help. He could do nothing for Robert
himself, but he could help his wife. At once Mrs. Morris
was asked to make her home at Mount Vernon. Nothing,
however, could persuade her to leave Philadelphia. She
wished to stay near her husband.

When Morris was released from prison he and his wife
lived in a few rooms until his death. He died in 1806. He
was buried in Christ Church graveyard. A simple stone
marks the grave of the Financier of the Revolution.

ANTHONY WAYNE

1745-1796

'W'OU have read stories of New England's famous boys,
-*^ of Virginia's famous sons, and of boys who came here
from across the great seas to win fame. The great colony
of Pennsylvania, too, sent its sons to win fame and honor
in the service of their country.

Anthony Wayne was a Pennsylvania boy. Shortly
after his birth the Indians and French were actively raiding
the Enghsh settlers in the valleys of the Monongahela and
Allegheny rivers. A few years later Washington made his
famous journey to see the French commander at Fort
Le Boeuf.

So the boy Anthony grew up surrounded by war activ-
ities. He was sent to school. He was not fond of study,
but he did like to play soldier. Many a fort and redoubt
were built when he should have been studying. One day
his father said, "Anthony, either study or work on the
farm." Anthony at once went to his books. In course of
time he was sent to the Academy in Philadelphia. For two
years he studied hard. On graduating he was a skilful
surveyor.

At nineteen years of age an association was formed to
make settlements in Nova Scotia. At Frankhn's sugges-

ANriiONY WAYNE 9 1

tion young Anthony was made the leader. In Nova Scotia
all went well. Wayne diligently made surveys of the dis-
trict. His ability was so marked that he was made resident
manager. This enterprise lasted two years. Troubles be-
tween Great Britain and the colonies forced the settlers to
, return.

When tw^enty-two years of age Wayne married, living on
his father's estate in Chester County. He built a large
tannery w^hich he managed successfully. He soon became
the leader of the town, holding many offices.

Wayne, however, was not destined to stay in peaceful
surroundings. In 1776 the colonies were at war with the
mother country. He at once offered his services to his
country and was made a colonel.

Wayne joined the army under Washington. Later he was
sent to Fort Ticonderoga, and still later ordered to join
Washington at Morristown. His bravery and skill soon
earned promotion. As General Wayne he commanded eight
regiments of Pennsylvanians. These saw active service at
Chadd's Ford and in the Battle of German town.

The long, w^eary winter at Valley Forge saw Wa}^ne
^•isiting and cheering his men in their humble huts. Their
sufferings w^ent to his heart. 'T am not fond of danger,''
he wrote to a friend, ''but I would most cheerfully agree to
enter into action every week in place of visiting each hut
of my encampment."

The long wanter grew to a close. As you know, the
French decided to help us. The British left Philadelphia.
Wayne was with the Americans in the pursuit across New
Jersey.

Anthony Wayne.

From living's
"Life of Washington.

ANTHONY WAYNE 93

His daring, dash, and skill made him an ideal leader for
an assault. Stoney Point, on the Hudson, had been seized
by the British. This must be retaken. At nightfall Wayne
and his little army marched to the attack. Between them
and the fort was a tract of marshy land. Silently, with
fixed bayonets, they hurried on. Before their presence was
known they were scahng the walls. The fort was taken and
with it 500 prisoners.

Unfortunately, Wayne did not have enough men to hold
Stoney Point. Cornwalhs was advancing in force. So the
little army withdrew to safety. Wayne was active here,
adding new laurels to his record.

At the close of the war he remained in the army.

While Washington was President serious troubles sprang
up with the Indians west of the Ohio River. By the treaty
that ended the Revolution the English had agreed to leave
all this territory. They remained. Indian activities against
the settlers increased.

General St. Clair was sent to destroy the Indian power.
His army was surprised and the greater part killed by the
Indians. A year or so later a new expedition under Wayne
was sent to make this land safe. Through the woods the
expedition advanced. Fort Recovery was built on the old
battleground. A few miles farther on Wayne erected Fort
Defiance. He tried to end the troubles peacefully, but the
Indians would not listen.

Then he struck and he struck hard. Charging with
fixed bayonets, the troops forced the Indians to leave
their hiding-place of fallen timbers. The Indians broke
and fled. The troops pursued. For three days they

94 HEROES OF NATIONAL HISTORY

ravaged the cornfields, burning the storehouses of the
EngHsh.

The Indian power was broken. Many Indians lay dead
on the ground. The broken tribes then agreed to withdraw,
giving up all lands east of the Wabash River. The expedi-
tion pushed on to Detroit. A few years later the EngHsh
forts were given over to the Americans. This section was
made safe to settlers again.

From Detroit the expedition sailed to Presque Isle, now
Erie, Pa. Here Wayne sickened and died. At his own
request he was buried at the foot of the flag pole.

In 1809 his son had his remains removed and reburied in
St. David's churchyard, at Radnor, a few miles from
Philadelphia.

JOHN BARRY

1745-1803

TSNT it curious that two of the greatest naval heroes of
-*■ the Revolutionary War were not born in America?
John Paul Jones was a Scotch lad, John Barry an Irish
boy. Little is known of Barry's youth except that he
soon formed a great love for the sea and decided to be a
sailor.

When fifteen years old he came to Philadelphia. Here
he secured jobs on various ships belonging to Samuel
Meredith, and later on those owned by WilHngs and Morris.
At twenty-one years of age he was a full-fledged captain
sailing between Philadelphia and the Barbadoes. From this
time on he was constantly at sea. His commands became
more important and, his cruises longer.

WTien the Revolution broke out Barry had just returned
from a trip to London. He at once offered his services to
Congress. His skill was well known. All of his cruises
had been successful. So he was appointed at once to one
of the largest war ships then in our possession.

On board the "Lexington" Captain Barry started down
the Delaware. Soon the ship was stopped. The ice was too
thick for it to push through. "WTien the river was open again
he set sail for the open sea.

96 HEROES OF NATIONAL HISTORY

An English vessel sighted him and sailed in pursuit.
The ''Lexington" was too fast and sailed rapidly away.
A week later Captain Barry sighted a sloop 'of war. He
started in pursuit. The sloop turned to fight and heavy
broadsides were fired. Soon the Enghsh ship lowered its
colors.

Among the prisoners taken was a young Virginian,
Richard Dale. Dale had been induced to join the British.
Captain Barry talked with him long and earnestly, finally
winning him over to the American cause. Dale enlisted on
the ''Lexington," later served with Paul Jones on the
"Bon Homme Richard," and became a captain in the Ameri-
can navy.

This capture, while not of much importance when we
think of the size of the ship, was most important because
it was the first engagement between an American and English
war vessel. It put courage into the hearts of the patriots
on shore. As the battle of Bunker Hill showed that Ameri-
cans could stand firmly against the British regulars, so this
showed that Americans could meet the great British navy
and hold their own.

Captain Barry returned to Philadelphia. He was placed
in charge of the shipping on the Delaware River and Bay.
His small fleet sailed these waters, protecting the vessels
bringing supplies and defying English war vessels to enter
the bay.

About this time he was given a larger ship. Congress
placed him in command of the "Eggingham," a ship carry-'
ing twenty-eight guns.

In those troubled days when Washington hurried across

JOHN BARRY 97

New Jersey with Cornwallis at his heels, Barry was ready
with boats to assist in the crossing of the Delaware. Later
he directed the transport of the troops to attack Trenton,
and carried the prisoners and captured supphes down the
river to Philadelphia.

When the English sailed against Philadelphia, they
planned to ascend the Delaware. This was impossible
because of the forts and Barry's ships. The English came
up the Chesapeake instead, marching overland to Phila-
delphia.

Barry was still on the Delaware River and Bay. His
work was to keep supplies from reaching the English at
Philadelphia by way of the Delaware. The hard pressed
army in Valley Forge owed many of their supplies and much
of their clothing to Barry's gallant actions. Few indeed
were the English supply ships that passed him.

The expected arrival of powerful British war ships and
the capture of Fort Miflflin compelled Barry to run past
Philadelphia to the waters north of the city. In safety,
one dark night, the entire fleet sailed past the British
batteries to the more shallow waters above the city. Here
they could lie in safety.

While anchored here Barry thought of a plan to destroy
the English ships. He secured a number of ship buoys,
loaded them with powder, and set them adrift to float down
to the English ships. These curious floats were seen by the
British on the shore. The batteries opened fire. The at-
tempt failed. Francis Hopkinson called this the ''Battle
of the Kegs," writing a funny poem about it.

In five row boats, with 27 men, Barry attacked some
7

Bradford Photo.

John Barry.

From portrait in
Independence Hall,

JOHN BARRY 99

British supply vessels and captured them. An English
sloop of war appeared — the "Alert." He signaled it to
surrender. The commander gave up his sloop. Barry
boarded her and took her for his own ship, sailing up and
down the river, doing as much damage to English shipping
as possible. Later he had to run aground to escape capture
by a larger war vessel that outsailed him.

The small fleet in the upper Delaware was ordered sunk
by Congress. Later they were raised. Soon after the Eng-
lish succeeded in burning them. Barry was now without a
command.

So valuable a man could not long remain inactive.
Barry was ordered to Boston to take command of the
"Raleigh." He found the ship in bad condition. Never-
theless he put to sea. Two large Enghsh ships pursued
him. He could not escape. In the engagement two of his
masts were shot away. He ran the ship aground on an island,
planning to blow it up. A traitor aboard prevented this,
so the English captured the "Raleigh."

A court of inquiry acquitted Barry of any blame. He
was at once placed in command of a small fleet to lead an
attack in Florida. This was prevented by the English
attack in Charleston.

Barry was then transferred to the "America," a ship of
se^x'nty-four guns. He was ordered to superintend its build-
ing in Portsmouth, New Hampshire.

This task was not pleasing to his active nature. While
waiting for the ship Barry accepted ser\'ice on a fleet of pri-
vateersmen fitted out in Philadelphia. Putting to sea, he
captured many prizes.

loo HEROES OF NATIONAL HISTORY

The wreck of a large French ship near Boston compelled
Congress to give the ^'Ame xa" to France. Barry was then
placed in command of the "AlHance." This was the largest
ship in the navy. It was this ship that earlier, under
the command of the Frenchman, Landais, had fired on the
^'Bon Homme Richard" in the fight with the ^'Serapis."
Barry retained command of this ship until the close of
war.

This ship carried our special envoy, Colonel Laurens, to
France, and at the close of the war took the distinguished
Lafayette to France.

When the war was over the ''AlKance" was sold, becom-
ing a merchant vessel.

The United States was now without a navy. In 1793
England and France were again at war. Both of these na-
tions captured our merchant vessels. Washington recom-
mended the building of war vessels. Six ships were ordered
built.

Captain Barry was the officer first named to take charge.
He was made the ranking officer and given command of the
little fleet. He was now a Commodore, though he retained
the title of Captain.

The Commodore was commissioned to supervise the con-
struction of the frigate ''United States." He made a trip
to Georgia where he personally selected live oak for the
timbers. In May, 1797, the good ship was launched, and
in July of the same year put to sea.

Commodore Barry was ordered to cruise along the coast
to protect the towns and our shipping. Later he went to the
West Indies where a fleet of small French war ships had

JOHN BARRY loi

collected. He captured several, returning to Philadelphia
with his prizes.

In 1798 he was made chairman of a committee appointed
to reorganize the American Navy. This committee's recom-
mendations were followed. Many of its suggestions are still
in use.

During Jefferson's administration the navy was put in
reserve. Barry was released from service, returning to
his home in Philadelphia. His health began to fail. Trou-
bles with Tripoli compelled Jefferson to put the ships again
in commission. He offered the command to Barry, but
Barry's failing health prevented his acceptance. This time
his country's call had to pass unheeded.

In 1803 he died at his home on Chestnut Street, near
loth. He was buried in St. Mary's churchyard.

In 1907 a fine statue of Commodore Barry was erected
in Independence Square. In Philadelphia one of its newest
and finest school buildings is named after the Commodore,
who spent his life in the service of his countrv.

JOHN PETER MUHLENBERG

1746-1807

TWTERCHANTS' sons, farmers' boys, and traders'
'*^^-*- children walked side by side to fame and honor.
The professions, too, gave their share. Muhlenberg was
a minister's son.

He, like Anthony Wayne, was a Pennsylvanian. He
came of that strong, sturdy stock called the 'Tenns}dvania
Dutch." His father was the founder of the first Lutheran
Church in America. John Peter was the oldest son. He
was destined from his birth to be a minister, to carry the
Lutheran beliefs to the people of America, to take up his
father's task where he laid it down.

Until the bo}^ was fifteen years old his father taught
him at home. The family then moved to Philadelphia,
where Peter entered the academy. At sixteen years of age
he went to Germany to complete his education. He entered
a preparatory school and later a university.

Peter was a hot tempered lad. One day, in a fury over
some fancied wrong, he struck his tutor in the face. This
meant his expulsion. He ran away and enlisted in a German
regiment. An Englishman, a friend of Peter's father, found
him in a garrison town. He arranged for his discharge.

JOHN PETER MUHLENBERG 103

Young Muhlenberg returned to America. His father
received him with open arms and great kindness. John
Peter reaUzed his mistakes and gave his earnest attention
to study. He was not anxious to be a minister, but yielded
to his father's desire. He studied theology.

When twenty-one years old he was ordained rector of a
church in New Jersey near Morristown. He stayed there
four years, when he was asked to take charge of the church
at Woodstock, Virginia. This was in 1772.

You will recall that at this 'time, throughout all the
colonies, the harsh measures of the English Government had
aroused intense feeling among the people. Muhlenberg's
interests were with the people. He was against the king's
party. Muhlenberg at once became well liked and exerted
a great influence over his people. He was fond of hunting
and fishing. He was a good shot. These things further
endeared him to the Virginians. Frequently he went hunt-
ing with Washington and fishing with Patrick Henry.

In 1774 the Boston Port Bill fanned the embers of dis-
content into flames. The citizens of Woodstock caUed a
meeting and formed a Committee of Safety. Muhlenberg
was made chairman. He was made a member of the House
of Burgesses and of the State Convention. In the Con-
vention he supported the resolutions proposed by Patrick
Henry.

Throughout the state companies of volunteers were
being raised. Muhlenberg was made a colonel. He de-
cided to leave the ministry and give his whole time to the
colonial cause. He was now twenty-nine years old.

He sent in his resignation as rector of the church. Sun-

Bradford Photo.

John Peter Muhlenberg.

From engraving in Penna.
Historical Society.

JOHN PETER MUHLENBERG 105

day came. The little church was filled to the doors. The
quiet burial ground was jammed with men. They had
come to hear their beloved pastor preach his farewell sermon.

Muhlenberg, clad in full military uniform, with his
pastor^s cloak thrown loosely over his shoulders, ascended
the pulpit.

An expectant hush thrilled the audience. Excited faces
looked intently at the speaker. Muhlenberg told them of
the sufferings of the people, of the injustice of the English
Government, and the sacred character of their cause, and
then declaimed that there was a time to pray and a time
to fight, '^and that time has now come!" Rapidly de-
scending from the pulpit he threw aside his priestly robes,
ordering the drums to beat for recruits. Three hundred
men answered his call to arms that afternoon. The next
day more flocked to his standard. He was the first colonel
in Virginia to complete his regiment.

Muhlenberg took part in all of Washington's campaigns,
beginning with the winter at Morristown Heights. He was
made a Brigadier-general. He helped hold the English
back at the Battle of Brandy wine and covered the retreat of
the main army.

His division was successful at German town, breaking
through the English line in a savage bayonet charge. The
failure of the other wing almost trapped him, but his men
fought their way out to safety at the point of the bayonet.

He lived and suffered with his men during the long hard
winter at Valley Forge.

Muhlenberg was at Yorktown. One of his regiments
stormed the redoubts, helping win the battle.

Io6 HEROES OF NATIONAL HISTORY

At the close of the war he refused to return to the minis-
try. He decided to go to his father's home in Pennsylvania
and later enter business in Philadelphia.

Receiving from the government 13,000 acres of land for
his ser\dces during the Revolution, Muhlenberg located
them in Ohio. Congress appointed him superintendent of
the bounty lands, as the soldiers' lands were called. He
went to Ohio to make arrangements for the distribution and
surveys of the land. Indian troubles prevented the com-
pletion of this work. He went home through Kentucky
and the Cumberland Gap.

In 1785 he was elected Vice-president of Pennsylvania, a
position he held until 1788. In this position he had to
suppress an insurrection at Wyoming caused by trouble
among the settlers over boundries.

Muhlenberg was successful in inducing the German
population of the state to ratify the Constitution. He was
made a member of the First Congress and later a senator
from Pennsylvania.

President Jefferson appointed him Superintendent of
Internal Revenue, and in 1802 made him Collector of the
Port of Philadelphia. This was one of the best paying
positions in the country. He held this ofhce until his death
in 1807.

He is buried in Montgomery County, beside his father.

ALEXANDER HAMILTON

1757-1804

^^NE of the greatest financiers our country has ever
^^ known came here when a youth. Alexander Hamil-
ton was an P^nglish boy born on the Island of Nevis in the
West Indies. His father was a Scotchman, his mother
a descendant of the French Huguenots.

Very Httle is known of his early life. At twelve years
of age Alexander was employed in a counting house. Here
he worked and studied. He was always interested in lit-
erature. When seventeen years old he wrote a fine descrip-
tion of a hurricane in the West Indies. This aroused so
much interest that money was raised to send him to school.

He was sent to America in 1772, and entered a school at
Elizabethtown, Massachusetts. One year later he entered
King's College (now Columbia) in New York City. Two
years later he visited Boston, becoming much interested in
the colonies' side of the trouble with England.

One day after his return to New York he saw a great
meeting gathered in a field. Speaker after speaker ad-
dressed the crowd. Hamilton listened and gradually drew
nearer the stand until he could keep still no longer. As-
cending the platform he poured out his thoughts in a speech
the clearness of which astounded his hearers. He was now
definitely on the side of the colonies.

107

lo8 HEROES OF NATIONAL HISTORY

A Tory pamphlet appeared stating the King's side of
the story. Hamilton answered it. The argument grew
heated, Hamilton was winning. Friends of the Tory planned
to challenge Hamilton to duels until one of them should kill
him. Fortunately, they decided not to risk this.

At the beginning of the war he was made commander
of a company of artillery, forming in New York. While
engaged in this work he met General Greene, who intro-
duced him to Washington. Washington soon discovered
Hamilton's abiUty.

At the Battle of Long Island Hamilton calmly remained
at the rear of his retreating troops as they left the island.
He was with Washington's forces in the retreat across New
Jersey.

In March, 1777, with the rank of Lieutenant-colonel, he
became Washington's aide. This position kept him in
close touch with the great general. Washington trusted
him in everything. As aide he carried on all the corre-
spondence and wrote many of the papers issued by the com-
manding general. The friendship thus formed continued
throughout their lives.

One of his difficult tasks was a mission to secure some
troops from General Gates. General Gates was at the height
of his popularity. The Battle of Saratoga had just been won.
Gates had a very good opinion of himself. Of course, Wash-
ington could command General Gates to send the troops.
He did, indeed, give Hamilton a letter of command to use
if he needed it. Hamilton approached General Gates so
skilfully and tactfully that the general willingly agreed to
send the troops.

Alexander Hamilton.

From Irving's
'Life of Washington."

no HEROES OF NATIONAL HISTORY

One day Hamilton kept General Washington waiting and
was reproved for it. Drawing himself to his full height Hamil-
ton resigned as aide. Then he returned to the regular army
and took part in the siege at Yorktown. He led his troops
himself in one of the most savage attacks on the forts.

At the close of the war he began to study law. In 1782
he practised his new profession. In the same year he was
made Collector of Taxes in New York. At once he began
a close study of financial matters, thus preparing for the
greatest work of his life.

Our country now passed through its darkest days.
There was no real power in the central government. The
Continental Congress, at first a body of men who had won
the admiration of Europe, now became a body that met
only contempt.

The various states were jealous of each other. They
refused to vote money. They refused to act together on
commercial matters. Everything was in confusion. All
Europe was looking on. England refused to leave the forts
in the Northwest. France was waiting for an opportunity
to enable her to take us under her protection.

This was not to be. Virginia took the lead and a con-
vention was called at Annapolis, Maryland. Hamilton was
a delegate. As only five men were present, they could do
nothing. Hamilton, however, suggested that they request
the states to send men to a convention to be held in Phila-
delphia the following year, 1787. This was approved. The
convention was called, and the great Constitutional Conven-
tion came together in Independence Hall to see what could
be done to make the union stronger.

ALEXANDER HAMILTON III

Hamilton had a hard task before him. His state did not
approve of any convention. In spite of the opposition he
succeeded in having delegates appointed. He was made a
delegate.

As a delegate he took little part in the debates. He
knew that the other delegates from New York would vote
against him. After a while all those delegates withdrew.
When the Constitution was completed Hamilton courage-
ously sigAed it as a delegate from New York.

His work was not yet done. New York had to ratify
the Constitution not because it was such an important
state at that time, but because it stood between New
England and the rest of the country. New York could not
be left outside. Such a condition would make intercourse
between New England and states south of New York al-
most impossible.

Day after day Hamilton stood in the state convention
urging, coaxing, and arguing until New York ratified the
Constitution.

With all this work he found time to write a great many
pamphlets explaining the Constitution. These have been
collected into one book. The}' are now called the "Fed-
eralist."

The states ratified the Constitution and George Wash-
ington was elected the first president of the United States.

The most important work of the new government was
to strengthen its finances. We had no money, we had no
credit, and trade had almost disappeared. Washington
knew that Hamilton was the right man to change these con-
ditions. His long association with Hamilton during the war

112 HEROES OF NATIONAL HISTORY

had taught him to know the man. He made him Secretary
of the Treasury.

Picture the task before Hamilton. For more than ten
years there had been no power to raise money for the gov-
ernment. No government can Kve without money. We
were deeply in debt, owing large sums to France and Holland.
We owed great amounts to citizens of our own country. The
salaries of the soldiers had not been paid. In addition, each
state owed money that it had borrowed.

Hamilton had two main ideas :

1. He wished to strengthen the interest of each state in
the government.

2. He must establish public credit.
How did he do this?

''We owe all this money," said he. "The only honest
thing to do is to pay it." But there was no money. He
suggested that a tax be laid on goods brought into the
country. The money thus raised was to be used to pay the
interest on the debt. Then he suggested that Congress
announce that all the debts would be paid and that the
new government would pay the state debts too. This made
the states interested in the government, for they now would
not have to pay their own Revolutionary War debts.

Finally he proposed that a bank be started as a place to
keep the money until it was needed.

These suggestions were adopted by Congress and the
nation started toward a period of prosperity.

Daniel Webster later said of Hamilton, "He struck the
dead corpse of public credit and it sprang upon its feet."

Hamilton was never a popular man. In his work he

ALEXANDER HAMILTON 1 13

met one Aaron Burr. They were close rivals. Hamilton
never liked him and Burr hated Hamilton. Many a time
Hamilton told the truth concerning Burr's underhand
methods.

Finally, in 1803, Burr planned to kill Hamilton. He did
not wish to be tried for murder. He decided to use a custom
of the day — the duel.

In those days a man could challenge an opponent to
fight him with swords or pistols. If he killed him he could
not be punished. So Burr challenged Hamilton. Hamilton
accepted.

Burr at once began to practice shooting. Hamilton
continued his work. • They met early in the morning of a
July day on the banks of the beautiful Hudson. They faced
each other. The signal was given. Burr iired. Hamilton
fell mortally wounded, first firing his pistol into the air. A
few hours later he died. Thus needlessly ended a life spent
in the service of his adopted country.

STEPHEN DECATUR

1729-1820

'T^HE call of the sea was strong in American life. Of
■*■ all its sons who tempted the stormy ocean, none was
braver than Stephen Decatur, the Maryland boy.

From birth he had every advantage that wealth could
buy. He was sent to the best schools and given all the
opportunities then open to boys.

At eighteen years of age he became a midshipman in
the navy. He was older than most of the other midshipmen.
He soon made a name for bravery and daring. He became
the leader in the sports aboard ship and in the various trials
of strength and courage.

Decatur was made a lieutenant on the ''Essex," sailing
with Captain Bainbridge to the Mediterranean Sea.

At this time the states on the north coast of Africa, called
the Barbary States, were the homes of pirate bands. Every
nation whose vessels sailed on the Mediterranean was com-
pelled to pay money to these states or have their ships taken
and destroyed.

Up to this time no nation had made any real attempt to
break up these pirate bands.

Our nation, weary of paying money for protection in the
Mediterranean, sent a fleet to break up the robber nests.

114

Bradford Photo.

Stephen r3i:cATUR.

From portrait in
Independence Hall.

Il6 HEROES OF NATIONAL HISTORY

One of our largest vessels, the 'Thiladelphia/' went agi ound
near the harbor of Tripoli. Every effort was made to float
her. There was not time to destroy her. She was sur-
rounded by pirate ships. Our men escaped, but the ship
was taken. The pirates managed to float her, taking her
into the harbor, where she was moored. They now owned
a fine, big ship.

The officers of the American fleet determined to destroy
the 'Philadelphia.'^ This would be a most dangerous task.
The harbor of Tripoli was encircled with forts, while the
"Philadelphia" herself was heavily armed. The Commodore
decided to send Decatur to destroy the ship.

Decatur captured a Tripoli fishing sloop. Disguised as
Maltese sailors the crew manned the small sloop. Most of
them went below decks. Plenty of combustibles were put
aboard. Then they started. As they approached the harbor
a terrible storm arose and blew them out to sea. For five
days and nights they were storm tossed. When the storm
ceased they started back, accompanied by one of the Ameri-
can warships.

Approaching the harbor, the warship stood out to sea,
while the sloop went on. A beautiful moon flooded the bay
with light. A good breeze sent the little ship forward.
Past the forts they slipped, across the harbor, close to the
good ship "Philadelphia."

They hailed an officer on her deck. "May we tie up
to your stern? We lost our anchor and cable in the storm."
"Yes," repHed the officer. A rope was sent to the frigate.
Soon the little sloop was swinging from the stern of the big
ship.

STEPHEN DECATUR 117

The full moon shed its beams on the decks. "What are
those things?" said one of the pirates. "They are anchors
and cables. They are Americans."

At these words the American sailors swarmed on the deck,
') into the small boats, and up the sides of the Philadelphia.
The battle was on; the Tripolitans fought bravely, but our
men forced them out of the ship.

Tar was flushed on the rigging and over the deck. A
double shotted gun was pointed down the hatchway to
blow a hole in the bottom of the ship. The fire was started.
Soon the good ship was in flames.

Our sailors hastened back to their sloop, manned the
oars, spread the sails, and started away. On shore all was
confusion and noise.

The forts fired, but the shots fell short. Fortune favored
our sailors. The sloop moved on, on, on out of the harbor
toward the warship, reaching it without the loss of a man.

The "Philadelphia" was a mass of fire. Her guns ex-
ploded and the gallant ship disappeared.

For this brave work Decatur was made a post-captain.
He was in many more engagements in the Mediterranean.

In 181 2 war broke out with England. Decatur was
given command of the frigate "United States." On October
25, 181 2, the "United States" met the British ship "Mace-
donia," commanded by Captain Caldwell. Decatur and
Caldwell had been personal friends before the war. Each
had boasted of the prowess of his ship and of his crew. Now
they were to test their ability.

The battle started. Broadside after broadside was fired.
A heavy sea was rolling. Our men fired with speed and

ii8

HEROES OF NATIONAL HISTORY

accuracy. The British rephed with spirit, but less skill.
The firing raged for seventeen minutes, when the English
captain, badly beaten, hauled down his flag. Boarding the
''United States," Caldwell offered his sword to Decatur.
Decatur refused it saying, 'T cannot take the sword of a
man who has so bravely defended his ship."

Later he was to reap the reward of this courtesy. In a
new ship, the "President," he sailed from New York harbor
and was surrounded by British ships. After a gallant fight
he had to haul down his colors and surrender. The British
ofiicer refused his sword, using his ow^n words to Caldwell.

After the war he was made one of the Commissioners
of the Navy, making his home in Washington.

In 1820 he fought a duel with Commodore Barron. He
fell on the field, dying soon after being carried to his home.

So died Decatur, after spending a lifetime in battles,
subject to the dangers of the sea, passing unscathed through
all, only to fall a victim to a false idea of honor, dying on the
duelhng field.

Tripoli Fishing Boat.

OLIVER HAZARD PERRY

1785-1819

'T^HE tiny state of Rhode Island sent one of its boys
-*• to brave the ocean's storm. OHver Hazard Perry,
the son of a naval captain, lived to make America respected
on the waters of our- great inland seas. His parents wished
him to study law, but the call of the sea was too strong.
At fourteen he entered the navy, a midshipman on his
father's ship, the ''General Greene."

At seventeen Perry was made an acting lieutenant.
His ship was ordered to the Mediterranean to watch the
Barbary pirates. Before actual fighting began he was
ordered to return home. The following year he returned to
the Mediterranean where he distinguished himself.

When twenty-four years old he was given command of
the ''Revenge," a small schooner carrying fourteen guns.
Three years later the War of 1812 began. In this w^ar Perry
became renowned. He was taken from sea service and sent
to Lake Erie.

An English squadron of six ships held the lake. The
American Army had been defeated in Canada. All eyes were
turned on the lake. Were the English or the Americans to
control it? It was indeed a serious task laid out for Perry.
No American ships were on the lake. Ships had to be built,

119

OLIVER HAZARD PERRY I2i

launched, manned, and provisioned. All material had to
be brought from the sea coast.

With characteristic energy he started work. Day after
day they toiled, the English ships lying off the harbor wait-
ing for them. Near the entrance to the harbor was a bar.
At this place the water was shoal and it seemed as if the new
boats could never leave the harbor after they were launched.
One day the boats slid down the ways into the water. All
the men worked like beavers. The English captain thought
they could not cross the bar. He sailed with his ships
across the lake to attend a dinner.

While they were gone the Americans, by using the utmost
skill and hard work, forced the vessels out into the open
lake. The return of the English found them waiting and
ready.

The battle began. Perry in his flagship, the "Lawrence,'*
engaged the English flagship. This ship was larger and
carried more guns. Broadside after broadside was poured
into the "Lawrence." Soon riddled with shot, its guns
useless, Perry's ship could no longer be steered. It was but
a hulk. Perry left the sinking ship in a small boat still
flying his banner bearing Captain Lawrence's famous words,
"Don't give up the ship."

Through a torrent of shot the small boat plied its way.
Reaching the "Niagara," he hoisted his pennant. The battle
raged on. Superior gunnery and seamenship finally won.
The English ships hauled down their colors. Perry had
won a great victory. American valor had regained control
of Lake Erie. His famous message to Congress still rings
in our ears, "We have met the enemy and they are ours."

STEPHEN GIRARD

1750-1831

A SEA captain, living in Bordeaux, France, had a little
'^^- boy named Stephen. As Stephen was the oldest son
he had to stay at home to help his father. His brothers
and sisters were sent to school, some of them going to
college. This made him feel that he was not given a fair
chance.

When he was eight years old he learned that he was
blind in one eye. This blindness made him look queer.
Children made fun of him. He became sensitive and tried
to stay alone.

Stephen loved the sea. When he was just thirteen years
old he secured a job as a cabin boy. For nine years he sailed
from his home town all over the world. On these vo}'ages he
studied whenever he had leisure. He wanted to be a captain.
Starting as cabin boy, he rose gradually until he was in full
command of a merchant vessel. He made many voyages to
the West Indies and to New York.

In 1775 his vessel was caught in a heavy fog. Girard
lost his bearings. The fog lifted and an American ship
nearby answered his signal, "What place is this?" ''Dela-
ware Bay," answered the American. Girard was bound for
New York. ''You'd better come in," said the American.

STEPHEN GIRARl) 1 23

^^The Colonies are at war with Great Britain and English
war ships are all around."

Girard at once entered the bay, sailing up to Philadel-
phia. He sold his ship and opened a small store on Water
Street, where he sold wine and cider.

His business grew larger. Girard was a man of tireless
energy. He worked hard all day and late into the night.
At this time he still could barely speak English. His rough,
gruff ways made neighbors afraid of him. Yet everything
he touched seemed to turn into money.

His short, stout, brisk figure became a familiar sight on
the streets of the city. His clothes were old fashioned and
shabby. His hair was braided into a pigtail and hung down
his back. He wore a wide brimmed hat and a narrow skirted
coat. When driving he rode in a plain, uncomfortable gig,
drawn by an old and ugly horse. He seldom bought new
clothes and yet he was the richest man in Pennsylvania.

Business was good. Girard enlarged his store. He
bought and sold anything that would yield profit, from junk
to ships.

The English captured Philadelphia. Girard fled mth
his wife to New Jersey, where he bottled claret, selHng it
to the British in Philadelphia at a good price.

Some time after this his wife became insane. She was
placed in the Pennsylvania Hospital, where she died.

Girard's business continued to increase. He bought a
ship. After a successful voyage he used the profits 'to
buy another ship. He continued this plan until he had the
largest fleet in the United States.

The greatest part of his fortune, however, was made

Bradford Photo

Stephen Girard.

From portrait.

STEPHEN GIRARD 125

during the War ot 181 2. This war almost destroyed Ameri-
can commerce. Still, one successful trip paid the losses of
many failures and left a profit. Girard was extremely
fortunate. He lost few ships. One of his ships was captured
just as it was entering the Delaware. The Enghsh captain,
fearing that the Americans would recapture his prize, sent
a boat with a flag of truce to Girard, offering to let him pay
a ransom for the boat. Girard agreed, paid the money, and
the ship was set free. He made over half a million dollars
from the sale of its cargo.

In 181 1 Congress refused to recharter the United States
Bank. It was offered for sale. Girard bought it. After
changing its name to Girard Bank he continued the business.

One of his first acts in managing the new bank was to
reduce the wages of his employees. They now received just
what other bank clerks did He also refused to give the
watchman his usual Christmas present.

Girard was honest. Throughout the hard times of the
War of 181 2 the notes of his bank stayed at face value.
When other banks had to contract their business, he
expanded.

In 1 8 14 the national government issued bonds for
$5,000,000. They were on sale for many weeks. Only
$20,000 had been subscribed. The loan was failing. In
this crisis Girard bought the rest of the issue, $4,980,000.
This saved the credit of the country and provided money
sorely needed for our soldiers and sailors„

Girard was never known to give any help to those who
begged or to merchants who failed. Yet he was always ready
to help in public improvements.

126 HEROES OF NATIONAL HISTORY

Despite his rough exterior, rude ways, and harsh meas-
ures, he had strong sympathies and great courage. These
quahties were shown vividly in 1793. In that year Phila-
delphia was visited by a terrible epidemic of yellow fever.
Half the terrified population hurried from the city. The
streets were silent day and night. Lone walkers hurried
past, holding disinfectants to their noses. Death wagons
rumbled by. Three of the four newspapers stopped busi-
ness. Churches were closed. The Great Coffee House and
the Library shut their doors. All business was at a stand-
still. Death stalked the streets.

There were not enough doctors to take care of the sick.
Nurses could not be found. The hospital at Bush Hill was
in a terrible condition. It had not been cleaned and could
not be used. A call was sent out for volunteers to help stop
the epidemic. Twenty-four citizens volunteered, but only
twelve had the courage to attend the meetings. Stephen
Girard was one of the twelve.

The doctors told of Bush Hill Hospital. Stephen Girard
and Peter Helm volunteered to take charge of everything
concerning it. Girard took charge of all the work inside
the hospital. Peter Helm looked after the work outside.

Girard spent his money freely and gave all his time and
energy. He had the hospital cleaned and in working con-
dition in two days. The sick could now be brought there..
He attended to the living and buried the dead.

In his carriage he went to the homes of the sick and
brought them to the hospital. No one would help him. He
had to carry the sick in his arms. Even the carriage driver
turned his head away as Girard struggled toward the car-

STEPHEN GIRARD 127

riage with his sick burden. He was tireless. He worked
until the epidemic passed, then quietly returned to his busi-
ness.

Two years before his death he prepared his will. He
had frequently said that "no man would ever be a gentle-
man on my money." His lawyer studied orphan asylums
in England and in America. Girard planned a home for
orphan boys. In this home the boys were to be kept,
fed, and educated to take an active part in the life of the
world.

For three weeks the lawyer worked writing his will.
Girard wanted to be sure that no one could break his will
after he died.

At his death in 1831 the will was read. He left a few
thousand dollars to his relatives and employees. The great
bulk of his fortune of over $10,000,000 was left to help the
public.

He left money to the Pennsylvania Hospital, to the
asylum for the deaf and dumb, to the Lancaster Pubhc
Schools, to buy fuel for the poor of Philadelphia, to help
sea captains and their widows, for public improvements in
Philadelphia, including money to be spent in certain schools
in the city, and to build a free public school in Passyunk.
(This school is still in use; it is called the Stephen Girard
School, and is at i8th and Snyder Avenue.)

The balance of his estate, about $6,000,000, was to be
used to endow a home for boys.

When this will was read at his funeral his relatives were
angry. They employed law3Trs. They tried to have the
will set aside. They tried again and again, but always failed.

128 HEROES OF NATIONAL HISTORY

Girard had taken pains to see that his money should be
used to build his college.

Girard College was opened. It has beds for over 1500
boys. These boys are cared for until they are eighteen years
old. Then they are graduated ready to do their work. The
College is a monument to the industry and charity of its
founder, Stephen Girard.

DANIEL BOONE

1735-1820

T^ANIEL BOONE was just such another back-woods boy
^^ as George Rogers Clark. Daniel was born in a log
cabin on the frontier of Pennsylvania. At that time
the frontiers of Pennsylvania were on the eastern side
of the Appalachian Mountains. Daniel spent his young
life in the wilderness. His daily toys were guns, knives,
stones, and plants. When ten years old he hunted small
animals, like squirrels, killing them with a knob-rooted
stick which he hurled at them. His father gave him his
first rifle when he was twelve years old and he soon became
a good shot. It was now his task to provide game for the
family tabid

There were no schools near his home, but his mother
taught him to read and write. Later in his life Boone
studied surveying. He also learned blacksmithing and
weaving. At thirteen he began a custom which he fol-
lowed the rest of his life. He spent every winter hunting.
This habit gave him wide acquaintance with wilderness life
and made him an expert backwoodsman. It also brought
him in contact with the Indians and enabled him to study
their customs and habits.

When fifteen years old his family moved to South Caro-
lina. This journey of five hundred miles was made over-

9 "9

I30 HEROES OF NATIONAL HISTORY

land in wagons. A great part of their way was along un-
traveled roads. The family had to live by hunting. It
took them over a year to make the journey. They stopped
frequently on the way to camp out and rest themselves and
their horses. They settled in South Carolina on wild land.
Trees had to be cut down, roots pulled out of the ground,
houses built, and the fields ploughed and planted before
they could rest.

Throughout this time various Indian troubles arose.
England and France for many years had been at war with
each other. The final struggle was approaching. West of
the Appalachian Mountains the French forces had descended
the Ohio River and planted forts. You have learned how
Washington was sent by Governor Dinwiddle to warn them to
leave the valley, and how later General Braddock came from
England to lead a force against the French. Daniel Boone
was a member of Braddock's expedition. Daniel joined
the expedition to fight, but his skill as a blacksmith kept
him out of the struggles. He brought up the rear with the
wagons, and in the inglorious retreat following Braddock's
disaster he drove a wagon back through Virginia. While
a member of Braddock's expedition he met a man named
Finley who told him of the wonders of hunting in Kentucky.
They planned to go there after the war was over.

Indian attacks became more frequent and rumors of a
rising of the Indians in the southwest began to drift into the
settlement. Boone was in many of these conflicts taking
an active part in the defense of the village.

After peace was declared he again spent his winters
hunting and exploring. He noticed that the wild animals

Daniel Boone.

From the 'Century
Magazine," 1885.

132 HEROES OF NATIONAL HISTORY

were continually going westward. He decided to follow
them. A few friends joined him and they started out, but
winter overtook them and they were compelled to return.
Finley visited him at his home and spent the winter with
him. Many were the tales told around the fire those winter
nights, tales of wild life in Kentucky, tales of abundance
of game and wonderful adventures. The listeners were
thrilled and a number agreed to go when spring came.

On May Day, 1769, five of them started on horseback,
each leading a pack horse. Their pathway led through the
Cumberland Gap and thence through the wilderness to
Kentucky.

They spent the next winter hunting and trapping. Fur-
bearing animals were plentiful and they soon had enough
to load their horses. They started home. A band of
Indians met them, captured them, took away all of their
booty, and then let them go, telling them never to return or.
they would kill them.

Daniel Boone, however, was not the kind of man to give
up so easily. He led his party back into the wilderness and
they spent another winter in Kentucky shooting and trap-
ping wild animals. Again they started home, their pack
horses laden. Another band of Indians met them, captured
them, and took their booty. Boone and his brother-in-law
were taken to an Indian village. Daniel Boone made the
Indians like him. They gave him more liberty. One dark
night he awakened his brother-in-law, stole to the horses, and
galloped off. They overtook their friends just as they had
met the relief party and were going home.

Boone, however, decided to stay in Kentucky. Three

DANIEL BOONE 133

of the party stayed with him, the rest went home. When
their pack horses were laden, Boone's companions decided
to go home, but Daniel made up his mind to stay in Kentucky
until they came back.

Boone spent one year alone in the wilds of Kentucky
exploring and getting his hunting materials ready for the
next winter. His idea was to find a place that he could
clear and bring his family to settle.

One night on his return from wandering through the
wilderness he found that the Indians had visited his camp.
He was afraid to stay, fearing a trap. So he spent several
nights in the bushes. One day a hostile band of Indians
surprised him near the river. The banks at that place w^re
60 feet above the surface of the water, but Boone did not
hesitate. Rushing to the river, he grabbed an overhanging
branch. Swinging far out, he let go, slipped into the water
beneath, and swam to the other shore.

Boone's brother returned in July and they spent the sum-
mer and fall hunting. When cold weather came they started
home, reaching the Cumberland Gap in safety. At that
point a marauding band of Indians robbed them of all their
months' work and sent them off. Daniel had had enough
of Indians for awhile, so he went home, poorer than when he
started out.

He stayed at home a couple of years, planning to lead a
party back to make a settlement. The party was formed.
It reached Cumberland Gap, when rumors of Indian attacks
made them camp there until spring.

Meanwhile a company was formed to buy Kentucky
from the Indians and to establish a new colony. The In-

134 HEROES OF NATIONAL HISTORY

dians sold their land to the company and arrangements
were made at once to send settlers to the new country.
There was no way through the wilderness. The company
decided to build a road. Daniel Boone was the only man
who knew the way thoroughly. So he was employed to
break a road through the wilderness.

On the loth of March, 1775, he started out. They
passed through Cumberland Gap, and crossed the river just
south of the present boundaries of Virginia and Tennessee.
This part of the journey was easy. All they had to do was
to choose the path, mark the trees, and cut the underbrush
until they reached Rock Castle River. Crossing the river,
they plunged into the forest.

For twenty long miles they had to cut and hew the way.
Think of cutting a road 12 feet wide through the forest!
Day after day the little band of hardy men chopped a way
forward. At last they were out of the forests. But dense
cane breaks lay before them. Again hatchets had to be
used. For several more miles they chopped their way
through. This was the last of their difhculties. The great
blue grass region lay before them.

A sound like thunder was heard. The little party
climbed a small hillock. As far as the eye could see they
beheld buffalo after buffalo coming toward the salt fields
near the river. It was the first herd of buffalo they had
ever seen.

This wilderness road was 200 miles long. At its end
the settlement of Boonesboro grew up. Boone brought
his family. More settlers arrived. The settlement be-
came prosperous. Cabins were built, a strong fort made,

DANIEL BOONE 135

and a palisade fence constructed. The settlement was at-
tacked repeatedly by the Indians.

One day Boone and a party of ten went out to the salt
licks to make salt. Boone was scouting and hunting. He
was pursued by four Indians and captured. He learned
that they were planning to go to Boonesboro. Fearing for
the safety of the village, he led the Indians to the salt
makers and so diverted their attention from Boonesboro.

The salt makers surrendered, and the Indians, satisfied
with their captives, marched to their camp. It was in the
midst of whiter and the cold was severe. Food was scarce,
but the Indians shared what they had with their captives.
Boone made a fine impression and the tribe decided to adopt
him.

The captive was prepared for adoption. His hair was
pulled out until nothing was left but the scalp lock. He
was then washed in the river several times to remove his
white blood. His face was painted. The chief told him of
the high honors that were being paid to him and what he
must do as an Indian brave. Then there was a great
feast.

Daniel Boone pretended to like the adoption. He took
an active part in all of the Indian games. At last he was
permitted to hunt, but his bullets were counted. On his
return from a hunt he had to show an animal for each bullet
that he had used, but Boone was cunning. He cut his
bullets into halves. With the half bullets he shot his game
and hid the parts he had saved.

One day Boone was sent with a party of Indians to make
salt. They were gone ten days. When they returned he

136 HEROES OF NATIONAL HISTORY

found a number of Indians had come into the village and
that plans were on foot to attack Boonesboro.

That night Boone rose stealthily from his couch, stole
to his hiding place in the woods, took up his powder and
shot, and hurried on. He must reach the Ohio River before
morning. He knew the Indians would be in hot pursuit
and that nothing but death would await his recapture. He
reached the Ohio, found a broken Indian canoe, repaired it,
and crossed to the other side. Still he did not dare to fire
a gun as Indians were all around him. He went several
days without food. On the fourth day he killed a buffalo
and then pushed on to Boonesboro.

The Indians did not come at once. Boone, at the head
of 30 men, started out to find them. They went 1 50 miles
into the wilderness. Finding the savages approaching, they
returned. The Indians attacked the fort and besieged it
for twelve days. Knowing how well Boone and his men
could shoot, the Indians were afraid to make a direct
charge. Starting near the river they dug a tunnel, but
the river water burst into their trench and discouraged
them. They gave up the attack and returned home.
Boonesboro was never again attacked by the Indians.

Kentucky now developed rapidly. The wilderness road
was improved so that wagons could travel on it. When
sixty-three years old Boone left Kentucky and started for
Missouri, saying, 'Tt is crowded here. I want more elbow
room.''

Missouri was then a Spanish possession. At St. Louis
he was given a tract of land by the people and made a magis-
trate. When Louisiana was purchased from France, Boone

DANIEL BOONE

137

lost his office and had his land taken away from him. He
was then seventy-five years old.

He returned to Kentucky and paid all of his debts.
Congress was petitioned to return his lands. After some
delay his land in Missouri was returned in recognition of his
services in Kentucky.

After his wife's death in 18 13 he spent his time visiting
among his children. He continued hunting up to the day
of his death in 1820. He was buried beside his wife. In
1845 th^y were exhumed and reburied in Frankfort, Ken-
tucky. A grateful people erected a fine monument to his
memory.

LEW^IS AND CLARK EXPEDITION

1804-1805

TDEFORE 1800 the great lands west of the Mississippi
-*-*^ River belonged to Spain. In the story of Thomas
Jefferson you learned that this great tract was purchased
by the United States in 1803.

Louisiana extended from the Mississippi River west-
ward to the Rocky Mountains and from Texas on the south
to the Great Lakes on the north.

Very little was known about this land. It is true that
traders and hunters had gone for some distance into the
unknown parts, but the greater portion had never been
visited hJy white men.

West of the Rockies, toward the north, lay the great
Oregon Country. Captain Cook had discovered the mouth
of the Columbia River in 1792. English traders were pene-
trating this section. The United States must do something
to make its claim to Oregon stronger.

For some time President Thomas Jefferson had wished
to find out more about the lands west of the Mississippi.
He urged Congress to provide money for such an exploring
trip. 'Tt won't cost much," said he. 'The men can live
on the country, and as they will be army men there will be
no extra cost for salaries."

138

139

I40 HEROES OF NATIONAL HISTORY

After much urging Congress made a small appropriation.
Jefferson had long ago decided on the leader.

Captain Meriwether Lewis was a skilled officer. He
was born in Virginia. From boyhood he was interested
in the woods. He studied about plants and animals.
He was now Jefferson's private secretary. Jefferson chose
him to lead the expedition.

Captain Lewis did not wish to carry the responsibility
alone. His friend, Captain William Clark, brother of George
Rogers Clark, was an expert backwoodsman and a skilled
mihtary officer. Lewis asked him to go with him as second
in command.

The expedition was ready to start, but suppHes were
scarce. This caused so much delay that they were com-
pelled to go into winter-quarters on- the eastern bank of the
Mississippi opposite the mouth of the Missouri River.

Meanwhile our government had purchased Louisiana from
the French. Now the expedition was to explore our own land.

Why was this exploring trip planned? It had many
purposes: (i) The explorers were to make careful observa-
tions, so that a map of the new country could be made.
(2) They were to make a record of the natural resources of
the country, that is, they were to examine the soil to see if
it would make good farmland, to look for minerals like coal,
gold, silver, etc. (3) They were to make friends with the
Indians and study their manners and customs.

What did they have to help them in this perilous trip?
A boat 55 feet long, drawing 3 feet of water. It had a sail
and twenty-two oars. There was a cabin and a forecastle.
In the centre was a breastwork to protect them from Indian

LEWIS AND CLARK EXPEDITION 141

attacks. In addition, there were two open boats propelled
by oars.

The party consisted of Lewis and Clark, about twenty
soldiers, eight or nine Kentucky riflemen, and a husky negro
servant. This was a small party indeed to start out on
such a long and dangerous voyage. All of them, however,
were strong, courageous people, used to hardship and travel
through the wilderness.

During the first winter Captain Clark looked after
building the boats, while Lewis bought the supplies, and
sought for information about the route to be followed.

On May 14, 1804, they broke camp, pushed out on the
broad waters of the Mississippi, and crossed to the rapid,
muddy waters of the roaring Missouri.

Their progress up the river was slow. In many places
the current was too strong for rowing. Men had to land
and haul on towing ropes while those aboard pushed with
long poles against the bottom of the river. Many a narrow
escape was made as the banks, undermined by the rushing
waters, suddenly caved in.

The party was divided, one landed and went afoot or
on horseback, while the others stayed in the boats.

The land party hunted and explored. Often they were
miles from the river and had great trouble in finding the
boat party. Captain Lewis was usually in charge of those
on land. He made many notes about the country and
collected material to send back.

On May 25th they passed the home of Daniel Boone,
then still hale and hearty. This was the last white settle-
ment on the river.

142 HEROES OF NATIONAL HISTORY

On they went, breasting the rapid current, ever struggling
to the Rockies. Many a time they narrowly escaped des-
truction. The land party also had many difficulties to
overcome. Two of the worst were the low thorn bushes
and the prickly pears. These tore their clothing and flesh,
making walking painful and hard. They suffered intensely
from mosquitoes and ticks. Snake bites were numerous
and many had sunstroke.

Game abounded everywhere, so the party was well
fed.

One night the water party camped on a sand bar in the
river. In the middle of the night the guard noticed that
the bar was slipping into the water. There was barely
time to awaken the others and climb into the boats before
the whole bar was gone and the river rushing over the
place where it had been.

Strange as it may seem, with all their toil, hardships, and
privations, but one of the party died on the whole trip.

The expedition was now approaching the end of the
known part of the journey. Soon they were to traverse
land and water never before seen by a white man.

The Indians were usually friendly. Both Lewis and
Clark were skilful in handling them. So great was their
success with them that they met with no opposition at all
on their return journey over the same route.

There was but one unpleasant happening with the
Indians. At one point an Indian brave stole a hunter's
horse. Clark demanded that the horse be returned at
once. This was done. Then a council was held. Every-
thing went smoothly until it was time to leave. As the

LEWIS AND CLARK EXPEDITION 143

men prepared to embark some of the young Indians seized
the boat's rope. Clark ordered his men to take their arms.
They thrust the Indians away, jumped to the boats, and
prepared to attack. This show of fearlessness made the
Indians afraid. The pipe of peace was smoked and the
trouble all over.

Winter was now approaching. They planned to spend
the winter with the Mandan Indians, a friendly tribe,
farther up the river. They pushed on, reaching the place.
Log huts and a palisade fence were built. They had
traveled 1600 miles from the mouth of the Missouri in
173 days, an average of 9 miles a day.

They named their camp Fort Mandan. Here they
spent five months, busy all the time making preparations
for their start in the early spring. Many white trappers
and hunters visited them that winter. Most of them were
English or French.

These men were not friendly to the expedition. They
told the Indians that these new white men were the first of
great crowds of settlers who would come and take their
lands from them for farms. Lewis and Clark were worried
over these tales. For a time it looked as if the Indians
would believe the stories. Then they would attack the
fort and massacre the men. But Lewis and Clark won out.
''We are your friends," said they. "We are here to become
acquainted. Later we shall send you traders who will
treat you better and pay you more than these traders do."
Their skill in doctoring the sick Indians helped them also.

During the winter the temperature was often 20 degrees
below zero. Nevertheless, Lewis traveled around the coun-

144 HEROES OF NATIONAL HISTORY

try learning the language of the Indians and preparing ma-
terials for the map. Clark worked in the camp, providing
food and firewood.

Captain Lewis needed an interpreter, someone who could
talk to the western Indians in their own language. A French
hunter living neart Fort Mandan had a young Indian wife
who had been taken from her family in the far west when she
was a Httle girl. Lewis persuaded this hunter to go and take
his wife along. Her name was ^'Sacajawea," and, although
she had a httle boy only two months old to take along,
she made the entire trip and was of great help to the expe-
dition.

On April yth a canoe was sent back to St. Louis. It
contained two men who had tried to desert, nine cages of
living animals and birds, several boxes of rocks, soil, dried
plants, stuffed animals, Indian clothes, utensils, weapons
and ornaments, and a description of their journey.

On the same day the party broke camp and started up
the river. As they went on the current became stronger,
making their progress more difficult. April 26th they
reached the mouth of the Yellowstone River. Beyond this
was the great unknown land.

Many adventures befell them. Once when Captain
Lewis was hunting alone he had just shot a buffalo. Hear-
ing a loud growl, he turned. There just behind him was a
large bear. The nearest tree was 300 yards away. Lewis
tried to reach it, but had to give it up. He rushed for the
river, the bear close at his heels. In he plunged. For-
tunately, the grizzly decided to stay on land and Lewis
escaped.

LEWIS AND CLARK EXPEDITION 145

The boat company struggled on. Their task was still
more difficult. Men stood on each side of the boat
pushing on long poles, while on the shore another group
with a towing rope over their shoidders tugged and
strained.

June 3d they reached the forks of the river. Which
way should they go? They had no map, and no one knew
the route. Lewis ascended a mountain. Clark explored
along the banks. Finally they chose the south fork. They
w^ere right. This branch led them toward the source.

At this point they hid the big boat. The stream was no
longer deep enough to float it. They buried many of their
supplies, leaving them to await their return. They em-
barked in the canoes and went on. Soon they were at the
great falls of the Missouri. Abandoning their boats, they
traveled overland for 18 miles until the falls and rapids
were passed.

Only waiting to build a new dug out, they embarked.
July 25th they w^ere again puzzled. At this point the stream
divided into three smaller ones. Clark pushed on, following
the southwest branch, and leaving a note for Lewis. Sickness
forced them to return to the forks. Lewis met them. Five
days were spent deciding on the course. Taking the south-
west branch, they went on.

Somewhere near this point they expected to find some
Snake or Shoshone Indians to guide them across the moim-
tains.

The Indian girl, Sacajawea, knew this region, as years
ago she had lived there. She had been captured by an
enemy tribe and taken far away. The expedition depended

146 HEROES OF NATIONAL HISTORY

on her to act. as interpreter, and to secure the friendship
of the Indians.

They were nearing the source of the river. Lofty
mountains raised their heads close to the river's brink.
The current ran faster. There were many shallow places.
Across these the men had to drag the canoes. In these
high altitudes game was scarce, and the meat supply began
to give out.

Lewis pushed on afoot. He was anxious to meet some
Indians to inquire the way. Prickly pears and thorns made
traveling hard. That night Lewis outwalked his party, spend-
ing the night alone. The next morning his men found him.

August 4th the boat party reached another fork. Clark
decided to go on, leaving a note for Lewis. Unfortunately,
he tied the note to a green pole. A beaver cut the pole,
dragging it off, note and all. This route was too difficult.
Clark returned, to find Lewis waiting for him.

They chose the middle fork. The mountains were now
snowcapped. On the eleventh day the long-looked for In-
dian was found. He was timid and hurried away. The next
day Lewis reached the source of the Missouri. It was an
ice-cold spring, bursting from the mountain side.

Pressing on, Lewis crossed the divide and found the
source of a tributary of the Columbia River. Here he met
some Indians who took him to their camp. They agreed
to furnish horses. Lewis led the way back to meet Clark.
When they reached the Missouri, Clark had not yet arrived.

His absence alarmed the Indians. They thought Lewis
had been lying. He had great trouble to keep them with
him. Fortunatelv, Clark arrived and saved the day. Their

LEWIS AND CLARK EXPEDITION 147

Indian squaw recognized the Indian chief as her long lost
brother. There was an affecting scene and the friendship
of these Indians was assured.

Leaving their boats they crossed the divide. The stream
discovered by Lewis was too small. They started off over
Indian trails to find a broad river that the Indians told
about. The trail wound along the edges of precipices, down
steep mountain sides, and through rushing mountain streams.
The horses stumbled and fell. Some of them had to be
killed for food. A blinding snow storm swept the path.
Fallen timber added to the hardships of the road.

As they descended from the mountains the heat became
intense. When the plains were reached the men were ex-
hausted. A few days' rest, then on again. New canoes
were built. Their remaining horses were branded and left
with a friendly Indian to keep until their return.

Game was still scarce. They hved on roots, a few fish,
and dog meat bought from the Indians. Some of the
Indians were hostile. All were treacherous and great thieves.
It was necessary, however, to make them friendly, for they
must return over this route.

November ist they reached tide water. The river was
5 to 7 miles wide. On November 7th they heard breakers.
''Great joy in camp," wrote Lewis, ''we are in view of the
ocean." The river was rough, the little canoes tossed and
pitched. The shores were steep and rocky. It began to
rain. The storm lasted ten days.

They encamped on the rocky shores. Everything was
soaked, clothing, bedding, and the travelers. For six days
they were weather bound. The storm ceased and the Httle

1^^^'

^H ^

O <U

LEWIS AND CLARK EXPEDITION 149

party pushed off once more. They rounded a high point, and
the broad Pacific rolled before their delighted eyes. They
had succeeded. Through many toils and dangers they had
blazed the first trail across the continent.

They spent the winter on the coast, resting and preparing
for the return the next spring. The remains of their huts
and palisades were visible sixty years later.

Lewis and Clark spent the winter writing their journals,
studying the Indians, and securing specimens to take home.
The men tanned skins for clothing, split wood, hunted, and
fished. A number of them spent two months making 20
gallons of salt from the sea water.

Food was scarce and their tobacco gave out. All were
anxious for spring to return. On March 23d, with snow
on the ground, they broke camp and started for home.

After six months of toil, exposure, and hardships they
reached St. Louis. The entire settlement turned out to
greet them. Long ago they had been given up for dead.
Ovations and banquets were prepared. Here they posted
their letters and materials to Jefferson, and the little com-
pany of men, disbanding, left for their several homes. One
of the most wonderful exploring trips in history was ended.
For one year, four months, and nine days the little band of
men had toiled and suffered and at last conquered.

This wonderful expedition prepared the way for settle-
ment and gave us a stronger claim on the great Oregon
Country west of the Rocky Mountains. It also told the
people that this new Louisiana land was very large and very
rich in natural resources. It proved that the United States
had obtained a valuable addition to its territory.

DAVID CROCKETT

1786-1836

OF the many quaint and picturesque characters ae-
veloped in our early history none was better known
or more beloved than David Crockett. He was a Tennes-
see lad who spent almost his entire life on the frontier.

When David was ten years old his father, who kept an
inn, hired him to a drover. David helped drive the cattle
for over loo miles. When the cattle were sold his master
made him stay with him. They pushed onward until David
was 400 miles from home.

One day David recognized a wagon from his home town
and its driver. ^'When are you going home?" asked David.
^'Tomorrow, at sunrise, we shall start," was the answer.
David planned to run away from the drover. That night
he went early to bed. He couldn't sleep, and at midnight he
stole out of the house. It was bitter cold. The wind blew
a gale, snow was falling, but he pushed on, his teeth set.
He meant to travel those seven miles through the snow to
the tavern. He must go home. Tired and weary, but still
filled with courage, he reached the tavern. Already they
were at breakfast almost ready to start. There was no time
to rest. Hastily eating breakfast, he climbed to a wagon
seat to start on his 400-mile drive home.

150

DAVID CROCKETT 151

You can picture how glad he was to rush into his mother's
arms, and how glad she was to see him.

Up to this time David had never been at school. He
didn't know his letters. His father entered him in a nearby
school. After four days' attendance he whipped a boy
larger than himself. He was afraid to go back, thinking the
teacher would thrash him. So he played truant. David's
father then took him to school, following him with a hickory
rod. Near the school David made a dash into the bushes
and hid. What should he do?

If he went to school the teacher would thrash him, if
he went home his father would. While hesitating, a drover
passed by, so he asked for and obtained a job. Many miles
from home his brother met him and asked him to go home.
He was still afraid. He wandered around, even reaching
Baltimore. At Baltimore he planned to go to sea, but his
employer stopped him.

A great longing to go home overpowered him. David
began to save his money. At last he started. His way for
many miles lay through the woods. It was full of danger.
Still he plodded on, afraid of the whipping, but going bravely
homeward.

The village was reached. The old tavern was in the
distance. Tears of joy blinded him. David reached home
just as dinner was served. Quietly stepping in he took a
place at the table. His sister saw him and the simple dinner
was turned into a feast of joy.

Crockett was now fifteen years old and unable to read
or write. Business was dull at home. His father was in
debt. David agreed to work to pay off the debt. He worked

152 HEROES OF NATION/VL HISTORY

for a Quaker whose son was a teacher. Four days a week,
for six months, he attended school. During this short time
he learned to read, write, and to do arithmetic. This was
all of his schooling.

When twenty years old Crockett married and moved
farther toward the frontier. The Creek Indian War started.
Crockett enlisted at once. He did scout duty through the
war, going far into the Indian lands for information. These
expeditions led to his acquaintance with General Andrew
Jackson. He was made a colonel.

At the close of the war Colonel Crockett was elected to
the state legislature.

Like Daniel Boone, he could not live where there were
too many people. He moved again toward the frontier of
Tennessee. His home was a log cabin, warm and snug,
but with none of those things that we call comfort.

Winter came soon after his hut was built. His brother-
in-law had promised to bring him a keg of powder from the
settlements. David's supply was very low. The powder was
at his brother's house, six miles away. Between them was
the river. It had risen and flooded the lands. The only
way over the river and across the marshes was by a series
of log bridges. He had no boat. He must either go or not
eat.

Early in the morning he started. In his pack he carried
a dry suit of clothes to put on when he reached the other
side of the river. There was snow on the ground. Without
hesitating he stepped into the icy waters and started across.
He reached the island in safety.

On the other side of this island was the first log bridge.

DAVID CROCKETT 153

This he crossed easily, bringing him to the marsh. Here
the log bridge was three feet under water. Cutting a sapling
he reached it across until it stood near the tree at the op-
posite end of the log. With this as his guide he waded over.

Beyond was still another slough. Here the log bridge
was floating. Fastening his dry clothes to his gun and
holding it high over his head, David started across. Just
as he reached the middle of the log it rolled. He was thrown
into deep water. He had to swim for a few minutes, still
holding his clothing and gun clear from the water, until
he reached the shallow water.

Almost frozen, he walked ashore, donned his dry clothing,
and started off. He tried to run, but was too numb with
cold. He persisted, however, until he reached his brother's
cabin.

Crockett stayed a couple of days resting. Then he
started home with the keg of powder on his back. It had
grown steadily colder. The river had a half inch of ice on
it. A few days wait and he could walk across. But days
were precious. He knew that there was no food at home.
He must get home.

Crockett stepped on the ice, it broke, and he started
wading toward the stronger ice, cutting his way with his
tomahawk. This ice also broke. At last he reached the
slough. This was frozen strong enough to bear him. He
crossed to the island. Here the current was too strong to
permit freezing. He placed his gun against a tree, took his
precious keg of powder in his arms, and crossed over the
sunken log. Then he returned for his gun and recrossed the
log.

154 HEROES OF NATIONAL HISTORY

Wet from head to foot and half frozen he waded on.
Footprints, broken through the ice, looked like a bear trail.
He started to follow it. The tracks led to his own home.
They had been made by a young man who had gone out to
look for him.

That night it rained hard. The next morning everything
was covered with ice.

In spite of his weariness David started hunting for game.
The underbrush, covered with ice, tore at his clothing, but
he went on. The dogs smelled a bear. David Crockett was
the greatest bear hunter of the state. He couldn't resist.
So he followed his dogs, at last shooting one of the largest
bears he had ever seen.

Some time after this he was elected to the national
Congress. He served several terms. During his life as a
Congressman he visited Philadelphia, New York, and Boston.
He was known all over the country for his ''queer" way of
living and talking, and for his great honesty. Wherever he
went crowds gathered to see him and to meet him. He was
showered with honors, gifts, and attentions.

General Andrew Jackson, who was then President, be-
came angry with Crockett and prevented his re-election to
Congress. Crockett was fifty years old. He decided to
leave Tennessee and go to that part of Mexico which is
now our state of Texas. At that time less than 40,000
white people lived there.

While David Crockett travels to Texas suppose we read
a little about this great, new country to which he was going.

It was part of Mexico, and that country had asked for
settlers. In 1833 Americans had crossed the border and

DAVID CROCKETT 155

made settlement in this land. Mexico was the scene of
many revolutions and much cruelty. The Americans in
Texas did not like the Mexican Government, and in 1836
set up their own government. They made a Declaration of
Independence and sent it to Mexico. Santa Anna was
President of Mexico then. He was cruel and savage. With
his army he set out to subdue the Texan revolt.

This was the time when David Crockett chose to go to
Texas. He arrived at San Antonio in 1836 just in time to
help them stand siege.

San Antonio was a small town about 75 miles west of
Austin. It stood on the San Antonio River. The old town
had three parts — San Antonio proper, the Alamo, and Chi-
hahia. The Alamo was an old Spanish Mission or church.
It had stout walls and made an excellent fort. There were
1200 citizens in the town when Colonel Crockett arrived.
Out in the Alamo was a garrison of 182 fighting men. Crock-
ett at once went to the Alamo. He found them all fighters.
They had plenty of ammunition and the fort.

February 22, 1836, Santa Anna, at the head of 1000
men, appeared before the fort. He demanded its surrender.
The reply was a cannon shot.

Santa Anna at once prepared to attack. Cannon were
set up. The Mexicans were poor shots.

The garrison sent a messenger to hasten help. No help
came ! The water-supply was in danger. Happily they beat
the Mexicans away from this side. Travis, their com-
mander, said, 'T never intend to retreat or surrender.
Victory or death."

The Mexicans threw bombs into the fort, but these did

Scouts in Indian Country.

Wood engraving in
'Harper's Magazine," 1885.

DAVID CROCKETT

157

no damage. Their cannoniers, however, were becoming
better marksmen.

David Crockett, standing on the rampart, saw them
place a new gun and aim it at the fort. He waited until the
gunner was ready to fire it. Then he shot him. Men stood
near him and passed him loaded rifles. In quick succession
he killed four more who approached to fire the gun. That
gun was silenced.

For eleven days the siege continued ; 300 Mexicans were
killed. Reinforcements reached them; 4000 Mexicans ad-
vanced to the assault on Sunday, March 6, 1836, their
bugles playing, with orders to give ''No quarter."

Scaling ladders were brought by the Mexicans. When the
ladders were full the defenders toppled them backward, hurl-
ing the Mexicans to the ground. After two hours' fighting
they forced an entrance to the fort. The garrison fought on.

The unequal contest could not last much longer. Soon
but six of the garrison were still alive. David Crockett and
his five companions made their last stand in an angle of
the fort. Dead Mexicans lay all around them. In one hand
David held his bowie knife dripping blood, in the other the
barrel of his rifle. His face was covered with blood from a
gash in his forehead.

Their brave stand against overwhelming odds appealed
to two Mexican officers. They asked Santa Anna to spare
them. ''No quarter,'' said Santa Anna. "Shoot them."
Crockett rushed at him, but before he had taken two steps
he fefl, riddled with shot. The other five were soon killed.
So fell David Crockett. No wonder that the battle-cry of
the Texans afterward was "Remember the Alamo!"

IS8

HEROES OF NATIONAL HISTORY

Santa Anna's cruelty and barbarism soon caused his
defeat. All the Texans were aroused. Uniting, they de-
feated him and forced Mexico to acknowledge their inde-
pendence. In 1845 Texas was made a part of the United
States.

Near the old State House at Austin a monument has
been erected to the defenders of the Alamo. On its side are
carved the words: "Thermopylae had three messengers of
defeat, the Alamo had none."

The Alamo.

Underwood & Underwood,
Photo.

JOHN C. FREMONT

1813-1890

/^N a bright winter morning, in the sunny state of
^^ Georgia, in the year 1813, was bom John C. Fre-
mont, destined to become one of the greatest explorers
in American history. His father was a Frenchman who
had left his home in France to escape the terrors of the
French Revolution. His mother was an American, a cousin
of George Washington.

When John was five years old his father died, leaving
him and his mother to struggle unaided through the world.
They moved to Charleston, S. C., where the boy spent his
youth. He worked for a lawyer. In this office he received
all of his early education. Having a taste for mathematics,
he turned his attention to mastering that subject.

When he was twenty years old his state, South Carolina,
defied the national government. A sloop of war was sent
to the harbor of Charleston to force obedience to the govern-
ment's law.

Fremont secured a position aboard the boat as teacher
of mathematics. For two years and a half he cruised
around, teaching mathematics.

At the end of this period he decided to study surveying
and railroad engineering. His first task in this new pro-

159

i6o HEROES OF NATIONAL HISTORY

fession was to plan a railroad route from Charleston to
Augusta. While engaged in this work he explored large
tracts of land in South Carolina and Tennessee.

This trip gave him a taste for further explorations. It
decided his Ufe work. Henceforth he was to be the
finder and maker of new trails through the great unknown
West.

His first important trip was the exploration of the upper
region of the Mississippi. He was a lieutenant in this
expedition, serving under a man named Nicollet. After
this he made extensive explorations of the lands betweer^
the Mississippi and Missouri Rivers.

Senator Benton for many years had been urging Congress
to supply money for exploring the great West. Young
Fremont met the senator on his return from an exploring
trip. Senator Benton liked the young man. His en-
thusiasm, his courage, his self-reliance appealed to Benton.
He had found the man to lead exploring expeditions — a man
who would push onward, undaunted by any hardships or
difficulties.

Congress at last set aside money for an exploring trip
to the great West. Benton had Fremont appointed to
lead the expedition. Fremont had dreamed dreams of this
great unknown land. He could fancy settlement after
settlement growing in the unknown land, if only some one
marked the way. He was glad of the chance to be the
^'Pathfinder. "

In 1 84 1 he explored the basin of the Des Moines River.
On his return he married Senator Benton's daughter. Mrs.
Fremont entered enthusiastically into his plans, though

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John C. Fremont.

Wood engraving from
portrait, "Century
Magazine," 1885.

1 62 HEROES OF NATIONAL HISTORY

they meant that she would not see hyn for long periods of
time.

In May, 1842, he was sent to explore the South Pass to
find the best route to the Pacific Coast. The party advanced
along the basin of the La Platte River, through the South
Pass, and thence to the Wind River peak, one of the highest
peaks in the Rocky Mountain System. Its crest is 14,000
feet above sea level.

On the way they were surrounded by a band of hostile
Indians who threatened to massacre the party if they
tried to go on. A coimcil was called. Every member of
the expedition advised against going on. The Indians
were called to the council. Fremont said that he was going
to advance. His fearlessness and the firearms of the party
awed the Indians. They passed on in safety.

On August 15, 1842, the httle party ate breakfast on a
table land near the peak. Carefully covering the remains
of the food, they saddled their mules and started the steep
and dangerous ascent. The sure footed mules carried them
well up the mountain. Soon, however, they reached a
place where the mules could not be used. Turning them
out to graze, the party went on.

Both hands and feet were now necessary in the climb.
Huge rocks had to be circled or climbed. The path was
steep and slippery. Snow was everywhere save in one
narrow path where it had melted. They walked on the
edges of precipices whose straight walls towered for thousands
of feet from the valley below. A misstep meant death on
the rocks below.
They were near the crest. Fremont sprang upon the

JOHN C. FREMONT 163

summit. Another step would have hurled him into an im-
mense snow field 500 feet below. To the edge of this field
was a sheer, icy precipice, and then with a gradual fall the
field sloped off for about a mile until it struck the foot of
another lower ridge. ''We fixed a ramrod in a crevice and
unfurled the national flag to wave in the breeze where never
flag waved before."

Not a sign of animal life was anywhere, save a bumble
bee who lighted on the knee of one of the party. This
messenger of summer fields and flowers filled them with a
keen joy while they rested in the snow of the mountain top.
• Returning to their starting point, they embarked on a
lake and followed it to its outlet. This small stream raced
through an unmense gorge, the walls rising straight up for
hundreds of feet. They shot through the canyon, jumping
three small cataracts.

At the end was a small open place, and beyond a second
canyon stretching between rocky sides for seven or eight
miles. There was no way to walk around it. They must
go through. Three men, holding a rope attached to the
stern of the boat, went ashore. The boat started. The
swift current seized it. Onward it rushed. The rope was
snatched away from two of the men. The third held on
and was jerked headlong into the seething waters. He was
rescued with difficulty.

At one place the stream narrowed. The boat was too
wide to pass through. Water rushed over them. Jumping
out, they lifted the boat past the narrow place. ''We
cleared rock after rock, and shot past faU after fall, our
Uttle boat seeming to play with the current." The party

i64 HEROES OF NATIONAI. HISTORY

was excited. They sang a Canadian boat song. Just then
the boat struck a rock and upset.

All of the party reached the shore in safety, but their
supplies and records were swept down stream by the rushing
waters. The boat was hastily repaired. One of the party
entered it while the others followed the shores, many times
up to their knees in the water. At the end of the canyon
they found most of the supplies and records in the quiet
waters as the stream flowed lazily through the valley.

On October 17 th they returned to St. Louis. In 1843
Fremont started on his second expedition. This time he
planned to explore the lower basin of the Columbia River.'
On this trip he crossed the South Pass, entered the Great
Interior Basin, and discovered the Great Salt Lake. He
spent but little time here. The approach of winter com-
pelled him to return.

In 1845 ^^ again reached Great Salt Lake, making a
complete tour of the lake. From here he went westward
to California, reaching the Pacific coast. California was
ruled by Mexico. He obtained permission from General
Castro, the Mexican commander, to explore that region.
This permission was soon withdrawn. Nevertheless, Fre-
mont pushed on.

Learning that Castro was leading a force to attack him,
he hastily fortified a place near Monterey. The Mexican
general was afraid to attack. Fremont started for Oregon.
On the way he met two horsemen, the advance guard of a
party of six, who were bringing dispatches from Washington.
One of these ordered Fremont to remain in California to
help prevent the English from securing that land.

JOHN C. FREMONT 165

The American settlers there joined his torces. Several
battles were fought with the Mexicans. The American
forces won. The arrival of Commodore Stockton in San
Francisco Bay helped them, and Mexico surrendered Cali-
fornia to the United States. Fremont was made governor
of the new territory.

General Kearny, commanding an American army, reached
California. Stockton and he had a quarrel over who was
in command. Fremont sided with Stockton. Later the
authorities at Washington made Kearny commander. He
arrested Fremont, sent him to St. Louis, where he was
tried by court martial and convicted. The President
pardoned him. Fremont, stung by the injustice of his con-
viction, resigned from the army.

After this Fremont returned to California, living there
for several years. Business ventures compelled his return
to the East. He was very popular and was nominated for
President. As Fremont was known to be opposed to slavery
and the country was not yet ready to abolish that evil, he
was defeated by the only President ever elected from the
state of Pennsylvania, James Buchanan. Retiring to private
life, he devoted his time and energies to preparing a complete
account of his explorations. The noted ''Pathfinder'^ died
in 1890.

ELI WHITNEY

1765-1825

A MERICAN inventors have given to the world many
^^' of its most helpful machines. Eli Whitney's cotton-
gin was the first of America's labor-saving gifts to the world.

Eli Whitney, first American to be famous as an inventor,
was born in Massachusetts. He soon showed great skill
in using tools. Even when only ten years old he liked to
steal away to the wood-shed and make things. As he
grew older he learned to make nails, canes, tubs, and even
made a violin.

There was little money in Eli's home. The boy was
eager to learn. He planned to go to college, though to do so
meant work. He entered Yale College when he was twenty-
four years old, finishing the four-year course in three years.

The young man was ready to teach. For a time no op-
portunity came. An offer of a position in Georgia sent him
hurrying to that state. When he arrived the position had
been filled.

Bitterly disappointed, he sought employment as a private
tutor. In his search he met Mrs. Greene, widow of General
Nathanael Greene. She liked the struggling young teacher,
and invited him to make her home his. Whitney accepted
her offer.

i66

ELI WHITNEY 167

While in Mrs. Greene's home he made an embroidery
frame for her and several toys for the children. Mrs.
Greene soon thought him a wonder with tools.

One day some cotton planters visited Mrs. Greene. They
were in great trouble. Their farms were good cotton-
growing land, but it cost too much to clean the cotton.

Each cotton boll is full of Httle sticky seeds. These
must be removed. A slave could remove the seeds from but
a few pounds of cotton daily. To clean enough cotton
for one bale took a long time. The planters were in des-
pair. They thought of giving up cotton planting and of
turning their farms into indigo or tobacco plantations.
'Tf we only had a machine to clean the cotton," said one of
the planters.

'T know a man," said Mrs. Greene, "who can make you
a machine, I'll get him."

Returning with Eli Whitney, she said, ''Here, gentlemen,
is a man who can do anything."

Whitney was embarrassed. He knew nothing about cot-
ton. The planters urged him to try. ''We will tell you
about cotton," said one. "You think about it. Try to
make a machine."

Whitney agreed to try. Difficulties arose at once, as
nowhere in the South could he secure the necessary tools.
He had to make them. There was no wire. He made
it. Day and night he worked in Mrs. Greene's cellar.

One day Whitney called her to see the new machine.
She hurried to the cellar. Placing some cotton in the
machine, Whitney turned a crank. In a few minutes a
stream of clean cotton fibres poured out of the machine.

T?^. -117-TT.^xTT.Tr Wood engraving from portrait,

JEli Whitney. "Century Magazine," 1885.

ELI WHlTNEV 169

Mrs. Greene was pleased. "May I send for our planter
friends?" asked she.

"I shall be glad to show the machine to them," replied
Whitney.

The planters came. The exhibition was successful.
All were pleased and happy. Whitney was urged to hurry
to place the machine on sale.

One night a party of men broke into the cellar and stole
the machine. Whitney was angry. He had to begin all
over. In disgust he left Georgia, going to Connecticut.
Here he built a new machine and had it patented.

Whitney's gin, as it was called, was a simple machine.
It consisted of a basket with a bottom of fine wires, placed
so close together that a cotton seed could not pass through.
Under the basket was a wheel with iron teeth stuck in its
tire. A crank turned this wheel. The teeth passed through
the wires forming the bottom of the basket, seized the cot-
ton, and pulled it through the grating. The seeds, being
too large, remained behind. They poured out of the basket
through a pipe placed in one end. Under the toothed
wheel was a cylindrical brush. This revolved, brushing the
cotton fibre from the toothed wheel.

The Southern States were ungrateful. Whitney always
had trouble in securing payments for -his machines. Plant-
ers everywhere employed mechanics to make imitations.
Law suits were started. Whitney won them, but rarely
could he make the planters pay. Of all the cotton states,
North Carolina was the only one that paid him his money.
Whitney never received enough money from this invention
to support his family.

lyo HEROES OF NATIONAL HISTORY

Whitney's cotton-gin made cotton planting pay. Thou-
sands of acres were planted in cotton. Cotton planters
became wealthy. Before the gin was invented only 10,000
bales of cotton left the United States yearly. Its invention
increased this export until in i860 4,000,000 bales were
sent to Europe.

Before 1793 slave labor was unprofitable in the cotton
states. Many people thought of freeing their slaves. The
cotton-gin changed all this. Before its invention a slave
could clean a few pounds of cotton daily. After its inven-
tion he could clean several hundred pounds daily. Slave
labor became valuable. The cotton-gin helped fasten slavery
on the nation.

The increase in cotton growing made cotton mills spring
up in the North. This industry grew larger and larger,
giving work and money to thousands of people.

It is interesting to note that Whitney stopped making
his gin. He could collect nothing from the users of his in-
vention. He became interested in rifles. He invented
several improvements, started a factory to make the new
rifles, and made a fortune.

At his death he was able to leave his family in comfort-
able circumstances.

ROBERT FULTON

1765-1815

"DOBERT FULTON, who made steamboat navigation
■*"^ possible, was a native of Pennsylvania. He is a part
of that great army of men and women who have helped make
the great state of Pennsylvania renowned in every walk of
life.

Robert's father died when the boy was three years old.
Robert spent his boyhood in Lancaster. He went to school,
learning to read and write very quickly. He was not much
interested in his school studies. He liked machines and
everything relating to them. Most of his playtime was
spent in machine shops.

The workers liked to have him around. He was skilful
with his pencil, making valuable suggestions about the
shapes and decorations of much of the work done in the
shops. Frequently he made calculations to show the size
of a gun needed to send a bullet a given distance.

The American Revolution began when he was eleven
years old. Robert was intensely patriotic. He longed to
shoulder a gun and march with the troops against the
English.

One Fourth of July he wished to make a celebration. He
wanted to have lighted candles in his windows. This was
forbidden, for candles were very scarce. What should he

171

172 HEROES OF NATIONAL HISTORY

do? He bought some powder and made skyrockets. That
night he had a fine celebration and felt much better.

Fulton was always interested in inventions. When
fourteen he tried to make an air-gun. This was not a
success. A friend asked him to go fishing with him and
his father. Away they went. The father was an expert
angler. He was glad to have the boys along. They could
row the boat while he fished.

Robert thought rowing too hard. The next time he
refused to go. That week he visited an aunt. All day
long he worked in the barn. ''What are you doing? Don't
clutter up this barn," said his aunt. Still the boy worked
on. One day he showed his aunt his work. It was a model
of a rowboat with a paddle wheel.

Leaving the model in the barn he went home. Then
he joined his friend. Together they worked until paddle
wheels had been fitted to the rowboat. Now they could
sit in the stern, turn a crank, and force the boat through
the water.

His natural talent for drawing induced him to study art.
He went to Philadelphia to study. Here he met Benjamin
Franklin, who learned to love him. He made rapid prog-
ress, finally deciding to go to England to finish his studies.
With money made in Philadelphia he bought a large farm
for his mother.

Friends in Philadelphia gave him letters of introduction
to Benjamin West, the famous Pennsylvania artist. West
met him, liked him, and took him for a pupil.

In England Fulton was rapidly becoming an artist of
note. It looked as if a great career in art lay before him.

ROBERT FULTON 1 73

A friend in England, however, interested him in civil en-
gineering. His old mechanical tastes returned; this was
his profession. In this Hne of endeavor he could work
harder than in any other.

While in England he worked diligently. He made an
improved mill for sawing marble, a machine for spinning
flax, and one for making rope.

> A friend of his was trying to perfect a steamboat with
paddle wheels. Fulton was interested. He decided to
try to make such a boat.

Meeting Mr. Watt, the inventor, he had an opportunity
to study his steam-engine. How could this engine be made
to turn paddle wheels to force a boat through the water?
That was the question. This work took time and money.
To make a little money he began to paint. He went to
France. His paintings were liked. In France he invented
and painted the first panorama ever shown. The sale of
this painting gave him enough money to continue his ex-
periments.

In 1 80 1 he produced an under-water boat. This was the
first submarine. In the boat he stayed under water with
three companions for one hour. Strangely enough, no
nation wanted the boat. No one thought it would ever be
useful.

His next invention was a torpedo. England was
tempted to buy this. They demanded, however, that
Fulton should pledge himself never to let any other country
use it. Fulton, full of patriotic love for his country, replied,
"Whatever may be your award, I never will consent to let
these inventions lie dormant should my country at any time

174* HEROES OF NATIONAL HISTORY

have need of them. Were you to grant me an annuity of
2000 pounds, I would sacrifice all to the safety and in-
dependence of my own country."

In 1806 he returned to America. The submarine was
offered to our government. Many tests were tried, but the
boat failed and was rejected.

Meanwhile many men in different countries were working
to make a steamboat. Experiments were tried in England
and in France. In America as early as 1786 John Fitch
planned a boat to run by steam. In his boat water was to
be sucked in from the bow of the boat and to be hurled out
at the stern. Such a boat was tried on the Delaware
River, but failed.

While Fulton was not the first to plan a steamboat,
still he was the first man who was able to build a steamboat
that really worked and could be used for safe travel.

Fulton decided to stop everything else and give his
whole time to making a steamboat. He returned to
France. Robert R. Livingstone, the American minister
there, helped him with suggestions and money.

Livingstone before going to France had secured all the
rights to steamboat navigation on the waters of New York
State. So he was much interested in Fulton's plans.

Fulton worked daily. After weeks of thought and labor
a boat was built. An engine was placed in it. Everything
was ready for a trial on the following day.

That night Fulton was awakened by loud knocks on his
door. ''What is the matter?" he cried. "Your boat has
broken in half and gone to the bottom," was the reply.

Hastily dressing, Fulton rushed to the river. The boat

ROBERT FULTON 175

was gone. For twenty-four hours, without rest or sleep,
he worked until the engine and boat had been raised.
Undaunted, he began again. The boat was repaired and
made much stronger. This boat showed that steamboats
could be made a success.

Fulton was always a lover of his native country. He
wished America to have the honor and credit of his new
boat. His native land was the place to work. So he left
France and came to New York.

No one in America seemed interested. His reception
was cold. No one wanted to risk money on such a hare-
brained scheme. People thought him crazy. Still he
worked on, conquering each difficulty.

His boat began to take shape. He ordered an engine
from Watt. How could he make it run the boat?

After much thought and planning his paddle-wheel
rowboat, made when a boy, showed him the way. Two
paddle wheels were built. Each one was 1 5 feet in diameter.
The paddle boards were 4 feet long and dipped 2 feet into
the water.

In August, 1807, the boat, called the "Clermont," was
ready for its trial trip.

Fulton's heart beat high with joy. Success was near.
Starting the engine, the little craft pushed out from its
mooring on the East River, steamed slowly away into the
Hudson River, and across to New Jersey.

On the New Jersey side the boat was madj ready for
its real trial trip up the Hudson. On the morning of Sep-
tember 10, 1807, the strange looking little craft was ready to
start. Great crowds lined the wharf and shores. It was a

Bradford Photo.

Robert Fulton.

From portrait in
Independence Hall.

ROBERT FULTON 1 77

jeering crowd. No one believed the queer boat would work.
Jokes were made and many laughs started.

Fulton worked calmly on. His faith in his boat was
strong. All was ready for the start. Would it work?
These were anxious moments. The engine started. Splash,
splash went the wheels. ''Look! it is actually going!" cried
the crowd.

Slowly the little boat steamed out. Great clouds of
dense black smoke poured from its funnels. Great clouds
of spray flew from the splash of its paddle wheels. It
gained speed. Soon it was going five miles an hour. The
crowd burst into cheers. Then the boat stopped.

''Ha! Ha!" laughed the crowd. "Of course it couldn't
work." While they jeered and laughed the little boat
started again. This time it kept on. Up the Hudson,
against the current and winds, the Kttle boat pushed its
way.

All along the shores cheering crowds greeted the strange
craft. Sailing boats on the river gave it a wide berth. Their
crews were frantic with fear. They thought that Old
Satan was on the river coming after them.

The trip to Albany lasted thirty- two hours. Today it
is made in a few hours. At that time the speed was wonder-
ful. That little boat paved the way for the marvels of
steam navigation of today. Soon the "Clermont" was
making regular trips between New York and Albany.
It carried freight and passengers.

Fulton built other boats. They sailed on the waters of
New York state. Other states wished to try this new way of
traveling. Soon they were a common sight on all the rivers

178

HEROES OF NATIONAL HISTORY

of the Union. He designed a special boat for the shallow
waters of the Mississippi.

What did his invention mean? It meant that water
navigation would no longer wait on currents and winds.
Boats could ascend a river evon though the wind and current
was against them. Again, the steamboat made better time

The Clermont.

Photo, of model in
Penna. Commercial Museum.

than the sailing vessel. It made possible better and safer
boats for passenger travel. It made commerce between
America and Europe safer, quicker, and more profitable.

It is interesting to mention that Fulton in 1814 built the
first steam war vessel ever made. He died before he could
see this invention perfected.

He is buried in Mr. Livingstone's family vault in Trinity
Churchyard, New York City. No monument or tablet marks
his simple grave. But as the steamboats and steamships ply
the waters of the world, each one is a monument to the
genius and hard work of the American — Robert Fulton.

GOVERNOR CLINTON AND THE
ERIE CANAL

1817-1825

T3^ARLY English settlements had been made along the
-*— ' Atlantic Coast. Little by httle hardy pioneers pushed
their way into the western wilderness. The close of the
Revolutionary War saw sturdy Httle settlements west of the
Appalachian Mountains. For a time Indian troubles stopped
their advance.

When peace was made with the Indian tribes, a steady
stream of settlers poured into these western lands. As
early as 1818 prosperous towns had grown up in western
New York, Pennsylvania, and in the country between the
Ohio and Mississippi rivers.

The lands were fertile and well watered. Flourishing
farms developed. Near the rivers and other streams manu-
facturing began to play an important part in the life of
this section. The great need, however, was for some way
to carry the products of the farms and factories to the
markets in the East. It is true, the Ohio and Mississippi
rivers formed natural highways. Unfortunately, they led
to a part far removed from the big cities near the coast.
The Great Lakes were closed to shipping by Niagara Falls.

179

i8o HEROES OF NATIONAL HISTORY

At that time there were few good roads, no railroads,
and no canals. This new land, however, must have an
outlet to the sea.

Europe for many years had been using its waterways
and building new ones. Canals connected many places.
Could not the new world use this method?

De Witt Clinton, of New York, thought it could. For
many years he studied the question. Across New York
state from Lake Erie to the Hudson River was a route
that nature seemed to have prepared for a canal. Here
the mountain ranges are low and rivers in the right places.

At first Clinton met with no encouragement. Some
people thought him crazy. He kept steadily on. Then his
opportunity came. He was chosen governor of the state.
One of his first public acts was to ask the legislature to give
money to build a canal. Of course it refused. Clinton asked
again and again, until the money was granted.

In 1818 the first spadeful of earth was Hfted. Many
thought ''Clinton's Big Ditch" would be a failure. Along
the route of the canal farmers left their work to dig the
ditch. At the end of a year a portion of the canal was
finished. Water was let in. The ditch held it. Boats were
floated on the canal. Soon cargoes were being sent back
and forth. Encouraged, the workers toiled on. The canal
was a success.

The finished canal was 363 miles long, 40 feet wide, and
4 feet deep. The digging was a hard task. There were no
steam shovels in those days. Men dug the ditch with spades.
All work was man and horse labor. Trees had to be cut
and stumps had to be pulled. In places the ground was

GOVERNOR CLINTON AND THE ERIE CANAL i8i

SO filled with roots that sharp knives had to be placed on
plows to loosen the earth.

The year 1825 saw the canal completed. Lake Erie
was now connected with the Hudson River.

This same year the canal was opened to traffic with a
formal celebration. A procession of boats formed on Lake
Erie. One of them, called ^'The Seneca Chief," carried
Clinton and his party. Two kegs of water from Lake Erie
and two baskets of apples from western New York were
placed on board.

Near 'The Seneca Chief" was another boat, ''Noah's
Ark." On board this barge were two eagles, a bear, some
fawns, fishes, birds, and two Indian boys. The West went
to meet the East carrying its representatives along.

All along the canal and Hudson River cannon had been
planted. As the procession started the first cannon was
fired, then the second, and so on until the cannon in New
York City announced the start of the boats. So was the
news carried from Buffalo to New York City. It took one
hour and twenty minutes for the news to reach New York.

The boats sailed slowly along the canal. The banks
were filled with people shouting and laughing with joy.
Celebrations were held everywhere, but the biggest was in
New York City.

The boats reached Albany. From there they sailed down
the Hudson, past the city of New York, on out to sea.
Off Sandy Hook, where the waters of the Hudson mingle
with those of the Atlantic, Governor Clinton poured the
water from the kegs into the ocean. "This is intended to
commemorate the navigable communication accomplished

Bradford Photo.

De Witt Clinton.

From portrait in
Independence Hall.

GOVERNOR CLINTON AND THE ERIE CANAL 183

between our Mediterranean Seas and the Atlantic Ocean,"
said he.

Turning, the boats sailed back to the city. Processions
were formed, and the rest of the day made a holiday. In
the evening parties and banquets were held everywhere.
When it was quite dark there were fireworks.

Well might New York rejoice. The Erie Canal was the
beginning of its great wealth. It alone of the cities of the
Atlantic Coast was now able to bring the products of the
West to its doors by water. Before the canal was opened
it cost $100 a ton to carry freight. After the canal was
opened freight rates fell to ^10 a ton. Prices at once fell.
Trade came more and more to New York City. The city
grew and grew still larger. Today it is the largest city in
the United States.

Not only was the Erie Canal used to carry freight but
also passengers. In those days it was a great relief to travel
leisurely and comfortably aboard the slow-moving packet.
It was a decided change from the discomforts of the stage-
coach.

In those times it took seven days' travel by canal from
New York City to Buffalo. Today rapid express trains
cover the same distance in a few hours.

Clinton's "Big Ditch" was the wonder of its day. It
made possible the close connection of the East with the
West, and paved the way for better means of travel.

STORY OF THE FIRST TRAIN

npHE Erie Canal gave to the people of the western lands
-*" a way to send their goods to New York City. High-
ways across Pennsylvania, Maryland, and Virginia also
helped furnish outlets to the Atlantic coast cities. These
outlets were not large enough. The people of the West
needed those of the East. Some better method of trans-
portation must be found.

Huge Conestoga wagons drawn by several horses went
back and forth on the highway. Along the road inns were
built. Many a jolly evening was spent in these taverns at
the close of a day. The horses were fed, and the drivers,
drawing close to the roaring fire, told stories of the road.
When day broke the wagons went on.

Many persons were trying to improve the method of
carrying goods. The many ruts in the road suggested to
one man the laying of rails. These rails were strips of iron
nailed on wood. Horses drew the wagons over the rails.
This was the first step toward the railroad.

Men now began to plan ways to haul the wagons with-
out horses. One wagon was built with a sail. All went
merrily as long as the wind blew from the right direction.
When it came from the front, the wagon stopped.

Another genius proposed a treadmill wagon. In this
wagon the horse stood inside on a moving platform. He
had to move his legs as in walking. This made the platform
move and so turned the wheels. This plan was a failure.

184

THE STORY OF THE FIRST TRAIN

185

Across the mountains of Pennsylvania a gravity railroad
was built. Loaded cars were hauled to the top on an endless
cham. From the top of the mountain the cars ran them-
selves down the rails on the other side to the valley. In
Reading, Pa., there is still such a railroad] on Mount Penn.

At the beginning of the nineteenth century many men
were at work trying to make a steam-engine that would run

Photo, by Underwood & Underwood.

The Rocket — Stevenson's Locomotive.

on wheels. George Stevenson, a Scotchman, was the first to
succeed. In America, Peter Cooper built a locomotive called
"Tom Thumb" for a new railroad at Baltimore, Maryland.
On Independence Day, 1828, Charles Carroll, one of the
few living signers of the Declaration of Independence, lifted
the first spadeful of earth. This was the beginning of rail-
road construction in the Vnited States.

1 86 HEROES OF NATIONAL HISTORY

In 1830 the road was completed.* "Tom Thumb" was
attached to coaches. The train started. There was much
excitement and great cheering. This first train ran 13
miles in one hour and thirteen minutes!

Soon after this trial trip daily trips were made. Balti-
more w^as happy. Its people thought that the new road
would bring the trade of the country to them.

One day the train ran a race with a car pulled by a horse.
Puff, puff, went the train; crack, crack, the whip. The
horse won.

Travelers on that railroad had no comforts. The
coaches were the old stage-coaches on rails. Dense black
smoke from the engine poured back into their faces. Some-
times the top-heavy coaches fell over. Nevertheless the
new train was a great step forward.

In Philadelphia the locomotive industry began in the
workshop of Matthias Baldwin. It was at 4th and Walnut
Streets, later at 6th and Minor. Today it has grown until
it covers several city blocks in the neighborhood of Broad
and Spring Garden Streets. The Baldwin Locomotive
Works are world known.

Baldwin's first order was to make a miniature engine
for the Philadelphia Museum. This was to run on tracks
laid on the floor of the museum. It was a great success.
Curious crowds paid to see the marvel. One day an owner
of the Philadelphia, Germantown, and Norristown Railroad
saw the little engine. He was interested. "If it were large
enough it could haul our cars in place of horses," thought he.
He went to Baldwin and gave him an order to build a large
engine.

1 88 HEROES OF NATIONAL HISTORY

After many failures Baldwin built the engine. Its first
trip was successful. Improvements were made. Soon the
new engine made daily trips between 9th and Green Streets,
Philadelphia, and Main Street, Germantown.

Many people went to the station to see the new machine.
The company advertised their marvel in the daily papers.
Tickets for rides were sold at 25 cents each. The rides
became popular. Excursions started daily.

Baldwin's engine was called ''Old Ironsides." It is now
on exhibition at the Columbia Avenue station of the Phila-
delphia and Reading Railroad.

Gradually railroads were increased. Today steel rails
connect every city and town. Giant iron engines run
swiftly along the rails. Today we ride in safety and com-
fort. The railroads have united the country.

CYRUS H. Mccormick

1809-1884

MANY years ago all farm work was done by hand labor.
There were no machines, even the iron plough was
unknown. In colonial days wooden ploughs drawn by
oxen were used to break up the fields for planting.

When the grain was ripe and ready to reap, gangs of
men entered the fields, each armed with a long sharp scythe.
With a swish and a swash the small army worked from one
end of the field to the other. Often races were run to see
who could cut the most grain, or who could reach the end
of the field first.

Such methods of farming could not lead to big farms.
The great grain fields of our West could not be reaped by
hand labor. In those days only enough grain was grown
for one year. If anything happened to spoil a crop, famine
was the result.

In such a year of famine the boy Cyrus McCormick was
bom in Virginia. Curiously enough, a famine year pro-
duced a genius who through his invention was to prevent
such famines in the future.

The McCormicks were prosperous farmers. They owned
four farms and worked them steadily. The father was an
energetic man with a turn toward invention. The old

189

Cyrus H. McCormick.

Photo. International
Harvester Company.

CYRUS H. MCCORMICK IQI

Scythe method of reaping grain was too slow. He thought
grain could be cut by machinery.

So he turned one of his buildings into a blacksmith ship.
Here he thought and worked. One day he brought out a
queer looking machine. It had a row of knives in front and
a place at the back for the horse to push it.

Hopefully he tried the new machine, but it failed. He
tried again; again failure. He put the machine aside.

Cyrus, however, was much interested in his father's
machine. Tools and machines always attracted him. He
had made a map on rollers and a quadrant to use in survey-
ing.

Much labor in the hay and grain fields made Cyrus anx-
ious to find a machine to do the work. A careful examination
and trial convinced McCormick that his father's machine had
been made wrong. He thought of the motions of the scythe.
In cutting, as one stepped forward, he swept the scythe side-
wise. A reaping machine must have these two motions. He
devised a saw-toothed blade that moved under a similar
blade that was stationary. At the end of the blade there
was a wooden rod to separate the grain left standing from
that to be cut. The cutting parts were placed on the side
of the machine. The horse could now pull it and still not
trample the standing grain.

McCormick toiled to finish his machine in time for the
harvest in 1831. Part of a field of oats was left standing.
Hitching the horse to his machine, he drove out. The
machine worked. It cut the grain.

That mnter he made many improvements. The next
harvest time McCormick was ready for a pubHc exhibition.

192 HEROES OF NATIONAL HISTORY

One afternoon he cut six acres of oats. Six laborers would
have worked hard all day to cut the same amount.

Another day McCormick drove the reaper to a neighbor-
ing town. He tried it on a rough, hilly tract. It wouldn't
work evenly. ''You are spoiling my grain," cried the owner;
''clear out."

Another man said, "Here, I'll give you a fair chance.
Tear down that fence, cross into that field, and cut the
grain." McCormick cut six acres of grain that after-
noon.

In spite of these successes, no one would buy a reaper.
Farmers did not like new ideas. Farm hands feared they
would lose their jobs. McCormick steadily grew poorer.
He kept on, however. Nothing dimmed his faith in his
reaper.

One day a man visited McCormick's farm. He wanted
a reaper. This was the beginning of success. Soon his
little blacksmith shop was not big enough to supply the
demand for reapers.

McCormick went West. The. great rolling prairies ap-
pealed to him. Here was an ideal place for grain and an
ideal place for a reaper. Looking around, he found a small
new town growing up. It v/as on Lake Michigan and was
called Chicago.

McCormick went to Chicago. He interested a wealthy
man named Ogden, who advanced money and became his
partner.

A factory was started. McCormick worked day and
night making reapers. Farmers became interested. Reap-
ers were sold all over the United States and in Europe.

CYRUS H. Mccormick

193

His factory became larger and larger, and McCormick made
a fortune

This wonderful invention made possible our great grain
fields. The reaper with its many improvements is today
able to do the work of many men. Great reapers drawn
by engines are in use in the West. These big machines

A McCormick Reaper.

can cut, thrash, clean, and put in sacks the grain from 75
to 100 acres in a single day.

McCormick lived to see his reaper a great success; to
see it used in all parts of the world, and to know that his
invention had increased the wealth of the people and made
'arm work less burdensome. He died in li

»3

194 HEROES OF NATIONAL HISTORY

At the time of his death the United States was producing
ten bushels of wheat for each person Hving here. Before his
reaper made the great grain fields of the West possible our
wheat crop was only four bushels for each person.

The railroads, steamboats, factories, and new industries
had called many men from the fields. City life was develop-
ing. Many people were leaving the country to live in the
cities. McCormick's reaper took the place of these workers
in the fields. Without it the farmer could not have cut his
grain. Through its help the West became the ''granary of
the world." In the great world crisis in 191 8, when the
United States had to feed the world, McCormick's reaper
made possible the bumper crops of that year.

Each summer as the reaper clicks merrily across the
fields and the ripened grain falls before it the farmer blesses
the memory of the man who gave this great invention to the
world.

McCoRMiCK Grain Re.\pers and Bint)ers.

SAMUEL MORSE

1791-1872

SAMUEL MORSE, like Robert Fulton, began his career
as an artist. He was born in Massachusetts, educated
in the public schools, and was graduated from Yale College
two years before the War of 1812.

To complete his studies in art he went to England.
There he studied with the great American painters — West,
Copley, and Allston. His paintings attracted wide interest
and attention. His career seemed most promising.

Lack of money, however, compelled him to stop his
studies. Returning to America, he lived in New York.
He found most of the artists jealous of each other. Morse
thought this wrong. It should be changed, so he invited a
number to visit him. The evening was spent in pleasant
talk. They became better acquainted. Morse proposed to
begin a National Academy of Design. This was a good
idea. The artists combined, forgot their jealousies, and
started the Academy, with Morse as its first president.

Some time later Morse sailed for England to finish his
studies. He remained abroad three years, returning to
America to become Professor of Literature of the Fine Arts
in the University of the City of New York.

All this time he was intensely interested in chemistry
and natural philosophy. His greatest delight in his leisure

19s

196 HEROES OF NATIONAL HISTORY

hours was to experiment with electricity. He read, studied,
and thought until he became one of the best informed men
on the subject.

He decided to return to America to continue his elec-
trical studies. The ship was crowded with learned men
and women. Some of the party were telling about experi-
ments with electromagnets that they had seen in Paris.

Morse listened intently. To those around the talk was
merely interesting and a good way to while away time on
the long trip across the ocean. To Morse, however, the con-
versation meant much more. From these accounts he ob-
tained the idea that led directly to his telegraphic machine.

Day after day Morse thought about it. As he walked
the decks in the beautiful moonlight he pictured his inven-
tion and how to make it work. In his cabin he made draw-
ings of the hiachine and invented his alphabet. This was
in 1832.

Three years later he built his first model. It was only
a rude instrument, but with it he sent messages over a
wire half a mile long.

As yet he had no way of returning a message. He needed
a machine at the other end of the wire. He had no money
to pay for it. Patiently he worked and saved for two years.
Then his savings were enough to let him build a second
instrument. Placing the new machine at the other end of
the wire he listened with pleasure to the returned messages.
The invention was a success.

For a couple of years he lectured, exhibiting the instru-
ment to large audiences. In 1840 he obtained a patent.

Then began a long series of failures and disappoint-

Bradford Photo

Samuel F. B. Morse.

From engraving.

198 HEROES OF NATIONAL HISTORY

ments. Morse was poor. To build a telegraph line would
take thousands of dollars.

In this extremity he applied to Congress for help.
Congress was not impressed with the invention and could
see no need for such a machine. Help was refused. Morse
turned to England for aid, without success. He then took
the instrument to France. They, too, failed him.

Almost hopeless, he returned to America. Again he
asked aid of Congress. The long session dragged on. Morse
waited hopelessly. The last day came. Would Congress
help?

That night Morse packed his trunk, preparing to leave
the city. He was hopeless and almost penniless.

The next morning while at breakfast an item in the
paper caught his eye. He gasped and read it again. For-
getting his breakfast, he rushed out and up the street to the
Capitol. ''Yes, it is true," said the clerk. "Congress voted
you $30,000 yesterday to build a telegraph line."

Despair turned into joy. Eagerly he began work. Poles
were set up between Washington and Baltimore. Wires
were stretched on them and instruments placed in position.
The day of the test came.

On May 27, 1844, Morse, happy, confident, but very
nervous, prepared to send his first message. Many guests
were present. Seated before his instrument, Morse calmly
clicked off the first telegraphic message ever sent. It was
the beautiful words, "What hath God wrought?"

Almost immediately an answer came back from Balti-
more. Message after message was sent and returned. The
entire test was a great success.

SAMUEL MORSE 199

Morse's fortune was made. The value of the invention
was seen at once. Companies were formed throughout the
United States. They grew rapidly. Soon miles and miles
of telegraph lines connected every part of the country.

Europe became interested. Companies were formed in
every nation. Telegraph lines spread everywhere.

Some time later Cyrus Field asked Morse's opinion about
a telegraph under the sea. He and Field worked together
until the first cable was laid. This made possible quick
communication between America and Europe.

Today we would not know how to transact business with-
out its aid. Railroad trains as they run to and fro are safe-
guarded by this wonderful invention. In a few hours
merchants in New York communicate easily and cheaply
with those in San Francisco.

In 1872, full of years and honor, Samuel Morse died.
Each telegraph line today reminds us of this great man.
His invention made possible the growth and wealth of this
nation. Rapid and easy communication knit the country
together.

ALEXANDER GRAHAM BELL

1847-

T^URING the Great War in Europe the telephone went
■*-^ side by side with the advancing troops. By means
of it the commanding general could speak at once with any
officer in his division.

A few years ago this was not possible. Before 1876
there were no telephones. In that year Alexander Graham
Bell astonished the world with his wonderful invention.

A long time ago a family named Bell lived in Scotland.
In 1847 ^ ^^w little boy came to their house. He was a
bright youngster and as he grew older showed a great in-
terest in sounds.

WTien he was old enough Alexander attended High
School in Edinburgh. Later he went to college.

Alexander's father was much interested in deaf mutes.
He studied to find a way to teach them to speak. The boy
listened to his father's talks, and soon became eager to
help. His father encouraged the boy to experiment.

One day Alexander and his brother made a model of a
human head. It was a curious thing. One boy pumped air
into the neck, the other moved the jaws, and the figure
said ''Ma, Ma!" Like all boys, they used it to startle their
friends. Many a good laugh had they with this toy.

Alexander Graham Bell.

Photo, by
Underwood & Underwood.

202 HEROES OF NATIONAL HISTORY

Alexander studied music. He became interested in ex-
periments with tuning-forks. A man had been making
tuning-forks repeat vowel sounds. Alexander thought the
forks were made to do this by electricity. "If the forks can
make vowel sounds, why not consonant sounds also?" was
his thought. This was the starting-point of his telephone.

Alexander had been working hard. His health failed.
Two of his brothers died. So Alexander's father insisted on
his taking a rest. The two men left Scotland and went to
Canada where they lived on a farm. Alexander studied and
taught.

When Bell was twenty-five years old the Board of
Education in Boston asked him to take charge of a school
for deaf mutes. Accepting the offer, he began a careful
study of methods of teaching the dumb to speak.

Bell planned to make pictures of sounds to show the
children. He invented a curious machine. Into this he
talked. A membrane made a needle trace lines on a smoked
plate. These lines were pictures of the sounds.

One day he told a friend about this. "Why not use a
human ear?" said his friend. "I would like to try it," re-
plied Bell, ''but where can I get an ear?"

"I'll get you one," said his friend.

Bell took the ear, moistened the drum with glycerine,
and used it on his machine. The bones of the ear made
tracings on the glass. "Why not try a piece of iron in-
stead of the bones?" thought he. This experiment was
successful.

Only one more step was necessary. As he looked at the
apparatus and thought about it, the idea came to him:

ALEXANDER GRAHAM BELL 203

"Why not make the iron touch an electric magnet and have
wires attached to the magnet!"

If this succeeded, he would have a talking telegraph.
Two years more of hard work and privations were between
him and success.

During this time a friend named Watson helped him.
One day as they worked the instruments stuck. Watson
pulled the iron away from the magnet. As he did so, Bell,
looking at the instrument near him, saw the iron on his
magnet move too. ''Try it again," he shouted. Again and
again Watson pulled the little piece of iron, and the other
piece moved too.

Three instruments were made. Two failed, but the third
succeeded.

Watson took one instrument to the cellar. Wires were
run from his instrument to Bell's. The two men could
hear each other over the wires. The speaking telegraph was
now a possibility.

Bell made his first public exhibition at the Centennial in
Philadelphia, 1876. His exhibit was last on the list. It
was hot and the judges tired. All day long they had been
looking and listening. Bell waited patiently. He was next.
Disappointment seemed his doom. The tired judges were
turning away.

Bell was in despair. He must return to Boston soon.
Just then one of the judges, Dom Pedro, Emperor of Brazil,
saw him. ''Are you not the Mr. Bell whose school I visited
in Boston?" "Yes," said Bell. "What are you doing here?"
asked the Emperor. "I have an exhibit," replied Bell.

"Let us go to see it," said the Emperor. The crowds

204 HEROES OF NATIONAL HISTORY

followed him. Dom Pedro sat at the table. He Hfted the
receiver, holding it to his ear. He did not know what to
expect.

Suddenly a look of surprise flashed across his face. "It
speaks," said he.

A famous scientist took the receiver, listening with pleas-
ure. He said: ''It does speak. It is the most wonderful
thing I have seen in America. . . . It is the greatest
marvel achieved by the electric telegraph. . . . Before
long friends will whisper their secrets over the electric wire."

From this small beginning grew the great telephone lines
of today.

Friends talk to friends over the wire. Doctors may be
called quickly to aid sick people. Engagements of all kinds
are made. Many business deals depend on the telephone.
All modern life is linked with this wonderful instrument.
A business man in New York may talk with his salesman in
Chicago or San Francisco. Many a sale is made and many
a dollar earned through the telephone.

Alexander Graham Bell is still living (19 19). Each day
finds him at his work. His eager interest in science is still
keen. His active brain is still working clearly.

MilKons of homes and buildings today have a monument
to Bell. It is a Httle box, and an instrument called the tele-
'^hone. As we use it we honor its great inventor.

THOMAS A. EDISON

1847-

IJOYS now living accept without question and as every-
■*~*^ day affairs marvels of convenience that were un-
known a few years ago.

Colonial boys and girls had small schools; no lights but
candles, such as Franklin made as a boy. No heat but that
from the open fireplace. There were no trolley cars, auto-
mobiles, or airplanes. We today are Uving in the age of
marvels.

In February, 1847, i^ ^ small village in Ohio, Thomas
A. Edison was born. This boy became the man who through
his inventions made possible many of the wonderful con-
veniences in use today.

Edison was rather a small boy, but he was full of energy.
He liked hard work. It was a pleasure for him to conquer
anything that seemed hard.

His father was a big, strong, sturdy man; his mother a
beautiful, cultured woman. Thomas inherited strength
from his father and his keen intellect from his mother.

Good schools were not a part of Edison's town life. He
was educated by his mother. This wonderful woman de-
veloped in Thomas a fine love for learning. She taught him
to read good books.

205

2o6 HEROES OF NATIONAL HISTORY

When only ten years old he planned to read all the
books in the public library. He read all on two lower shelves.
Then the boy decided to select his reading more carefully.

In those days little boys were employed on trains. They
sold fruit, candy, and newspapers. Thomas Edison got a
job as train boy. The little merchant was only twelve
years old.

Day after day he walked through the coaches calling
his wares. He was not content with this, however. The
crowds gathered at the stations gave him an idea. There-
after he telegraphed the headlines of his newspapers to the
stations. A friend wrote them on the blackboards. When
the train arrived Thomas jumped off, went to the crowds
around the bulletin board, and rapidly sold his papers.
Soon he was able to employ four other boys to help him.
He averaged $500 a year for himself.

Having plenty of time on the train,- Edison thought it
a good chance to increase his knowledge. He bought a
book on chemistry and some second-hand apparatus. All
went well in his experiments until one day he spilled some
phosphorus.

This started a fire in the coach. The angry conductor
threw his laboratory out of the window and Thomas after it.
The boy picked up his stuff, took it home, and began again
in his father's cellar.

While on the train he started a newspaper. This was
the only paper at that time printed, published, and sold on
a train. He had no press. He set his type and printed the
paper by pressing it against the type with his hand.

Electric machines always interested him. He began to

Thomas A. Edison.

Photo, by
Underwood & Underwood.

2o8 HEROES OF NATIONAL HISTORY

study telegraphy. A friend and he built a short line between
their houses, sending messages back and forth.

Soon after this Thomas saved the station agent's daughter
from death before a train. The grateful father taught him
telegraphy.

At eighteen years of age Edison obtained his first posi-
tion as a telegraph operator. He was not successful. The
machine interested him more than his job. While he was
working out improvements on the sending apparatus many
messages were neglected. The company had no time for
dreamers, ancj so he lost his job.

Not a bit discouraged, he went to Canada. There he
secured work as night operator. While thinking of many
ways to improve the machinery an important message ar-
rived. He forgot to give it to the conductor. The train
pulled out and barely escaped a head-on wreck. Of course
he was discharged.

Still undaunted, he came home. There was an ice jam in
the river. The telegraph cable broke. Edison wanted to
send a message across the river. Climbing a locomotive he
tooted the whistle, using the Morse alphabet. The operator
on the other side listened, understood, and answered.

After this Edison was made operator on the newspaper
wire. He was not rapid enough and lost the job. Then the
young man practised hard until he was able to send and
receive messages rapidly.

Leaving the west, Edison went to Boston. Here he was
given charge of the wire to New York City. This was the
most important wire in the ofhce. After two years' work in
this office he went to New York.

THOMAS A. EDISON 209

He had no job and could find none, Frequently he was
without food and lodging.

One day, looking for work, he entered a telegraph office.
The sending machine was broken. No one could fix it.
Edison asked to try. Soon the machine was working better
than before. The owners asked him to stay.

His mind was now actively working on inventions. He
was approaching his life work. During this time he made
so many valuable improvements for the company that they
decided to help him.

Two companies united. They furnished Edison with an
office and assistants. In return he was to give his entire
time and energy to making improvements on electrical
machines.

Edison built a factory at Newark, New Jersey. This
was the only factory of its kind in the world. The things
he made were not to sell at once, but the entire factory was
at work making inventions that later could be marketed.

Some time after this he moved to Menlo Park. Here he
built a factory and started business for himself. In this
wonder-house many of our electrical applicances have been
thought out and made perfect.

Around him he drew a force of men with inventive and
mechanical genius. These men worked on their own inven-
tions and ideas, Thomas Edison helping and suggesting.

Edison has remarkable power for work. When inter-
ested in an invention he works day and night. Sleep seems
to leave him. When through, he rests. He uses neither
alcohol nor narcotics. It is said that no one who smokes
cigarettes can work for him.
14

2IO HEROES OF NATIONAL HISTORY

When your grandfather was a boy there were no electric
Hghts. In some places gas was used for lighting, but in
most homes kerosene lamps were the only means of light-
ing. Streets had but few lights and those were poor.

Today Edison's inventions have made possible brilliant
lights at night. He improved the electric light so that it
could be used safely and without great expense. He in-
vented the incandescent light and then improved it so that
today it has become the best means of lighting our houses.

One of his greatest inventions was a new method of
telegraphing. By this system four messages can be sent
over the one wire at the same time — two in one direction
and two in the opposite.

When you sit at home, start the phonograph, and listen
to the world's best singers, or dance to its music, you are
using a machine made first by Thomas A. Edison.

When you spend a delightful time seeing beautiful or
funny pictures in the "movies," again you are seemg the
results of Edison's wonderful genius.

When you use the modern telephone and distinctly hear
your friend at the other end of the wire, you are again in-
debted to Edison. He made improvements on Bell's tele-
phone that made the modern instrument possible.

These are but a few of the many marvels that have been
given to the world by Thomas A. Edison.

A few years ago Edison's great factory at Menlo Park
burned to the ground. He was then sixty-eight years old.
Undaunted and with splendid courage, he drew new plans
and rebuilt the factory.

Mr. Edison is a plain man. He hates to attend dinners

THOMAS A. EDISON 2il

in his honor or to hear speeches praising him. He prefers to
be in the factory working night and day on his inventions.
He dresses simply, working in an old stained suit. One of
his chief delights is to show visitors through his wonder
factory.

This marvelous man, now (191 9) aged seventy-two years,
is still at work in his wonder-house, striving to make machines
to save labor and to give pleasure to others.

LUCRETIA MOTT

1793-1880

TN 1609 a small ship sailed up the James River, bringing
-*" a few negro slaves to this country. As time passed,
more and more slaves were brought, until every colony had
some.

In parts of the country some people began to think that
this was wrong. In the South, however, more and more
slaves were added to those already there.

In 1793 Whitney's cotton-gin made slave labor profitable.
Many cotton mills were started. As slave labor supplied
these with cotton it looked as if slavery had come to stay.

In that same year, in a small town in Massachusetts, a
little girl was born. It was a cold, bleak winter day when
Lucretia Coffen first saw the light. This little girl was
destined to be one of the foremost leaders in the movement
against slavery.

Lucretia's father was captain of a whaling ship. During
his long absences from home the mother taught her little
girl to read and wTite, and to be thrifty and honest.

Captain Coffen decided to leave the sea. He sold his
ship and went to Boston. In Boston Lucretia attended
private schools for a while, later going to the public schools.
Her father wished her to be educated with other boys and

Bradford Photo.

LUCRETIA MOTT.

Penna. Historical Society.

214 HEROES OF NATIONAL HISTORY

girls in the public schools so that she would learn the demo-
cratic spirit of this land.

When thirteen years old Lucretia went to New York
and entered a French school. Two years later she became
a teacher there. She met James Mott and learned to love
him.

At this time she began to think that men had more
rights and opportunities than women. She thought this
unfair. 'T early resolved," said she, ''to claim for myself
all that an impartial Creator had bestowed." From this
time on she thought about women's rights.

Her father now moved to Philadelphia. Lucretia joined
him in that city. Soon Mr. Mott resigned his position and
started in business in Philadelphia. He was a frequent
visitor at the Coffen's home.

In the course of time he and Lucretia were married.
Soon after the marriage Mr. Coffen died. The young couple
opened a school to support themselves and Lucretia's mother
and sisters.

Lucretia was now becoming intensely interested in anti-
slavery thought. She was a member of the Society of
Friends. The members of this Society freed all their slaves.
Mr. Mott gave up his cotton business because it was sup-
ported by slave labor.

In 1833 sentiment against slavery began to grow in Phila-
delphia. It grew stronger and stronger. A society was
formed to oppose slavery. Mrs. Mott was its first president.

All over the country men and women were beginning to
think about this great evil. They wished the slaves to be
freed. From the South came tales of cruelty and hardships.

LUCRETIA MOTT 215

Many hearts were sad at the thought of people held fast in
bondage.

Slaves ran away from their masters. They fled North.
Lucretia Mott gave them refuge and helped them to reach
Canada. She formed societies to help the runaways. This
was not all pleasant, however, as many people in the North
still had little sympathy with the slaves. When Lucretia
Mott lectured against slavery crowds burned her halls.
She was insulted and scoffed at on the streets. Neverthe-
less, she worked on.

A national Anti-slavery Society was formed. Mrs. Mott
joined and worked day and night. She met Lloyd Garrison
and John G. Whittier. These three worked constantly to
help the slaves.

An ^'underground railroad" was formed. This was not
a real railroad; neither was it underground. It was merely
a secret society. The members pledged themselves to help
runaway slaves reach Canada, where they were safe.

It worked like this: An escaped slave started north.
Some member of the society would hide him, feed him, and
send him on to another member, until he reached safety.
Each member did all he could to help the slave and refused
to tell the pursuers anything.

The South became angry. They had a Fugitive Slave
Law passed. This made it unlawful to help the runaways.
The society worked on in defiance of the law.

In 1840 Lucretia Mott was sent to London to represent
the anti-slavery people of the United States in a great con-
vention. She met Elizabeth Cady Stanton, another dele-
gate. Together they went to the hall. What do you think

2i6 HEROES OF NATIONAL HISTORY

happened? The doorkeeper would not let them enter.
''Only men can attend this convention," were his words.

Of course, the ladies were angry. Were they not dele-
gates? Had they not the same rights as the men delegates?
Their indignation had no effect. They could not enter.

The two ladies retired to talk it over. Out of this talk
grew a society to demand Women's Suffrage. Mrs. Mott
brought the movement to America. It grew until a conven-
tion was held in Seneca Falls, New York, in July, 1848.
This was the first Women's Rights Convention.

From this small beginning the thought grew and spread
until in the English-speaking nations women have demanded
the right to vote.

Today (191 9) an amendment to the Constitution has
been adopted by Congress. This amendment will give suf-
frage to every woman. When it is ratified by the states
the injustice done women for so many years will be removed.

Mrs. Mott lived to see the negro freed and the suf-
frage movement well launched. She died in 1880 aged
eighty-seven years.

HARRIET BEECHER STOW^E

1811-1896

TWTANY years ago a book called "Uncle Tom's Cabin"
•^^-^ was written. This is a tale of slave days. The
hardships and sufferings of the slaves are told in vivid
words. One can almost see the slave standing on the
auction block. Bound together by clanking chains the
slave gang passes by. There in the harvest field are the
gangs at work.

Uncle Tom is the hero and Eliza the heroine. At the
beginning each is owned by a kind master. His death
results in their sale to the planters of the cotton plantations.
Goaded by the cruelty of her owner Eliza runs away.
Trailed by savage blood-hounds she reaches the Ohio River.
She crosses on the floating cakes of ice. The hounds come
nearer and nearer, but are stopped by the river. Eliza is
received by agents of the "underground railroad," who take
her to Canada.

Uncle Tom is taken far south. He works faithfully.
His owner whips him and works him to death.

This book was a strong influence in making people hate
slavery. It was read everywhere in America and in Eng-
land. It has been translated and printed in nearly every
country of the world. Its author was Harriet Beecher
Stowe.

217

Harriet Beecher Stowe

Wood engraving in "The
Century Magazine," 1885.

HARRIET BEECIIER STOWE 219

Mrs. Stowe was born in Connecticut. Her father,
Lyman Beecher, was a minister. Her brother, Henry
Ward Beecher, was the famous Boston preacher.

Mrs. Stowe became interested in the slave question.
In her home was a httle negress who had escaped from her
owner. At that time Mrs. Stowe hved in Ohio. Under
the laws of that state the girl was free. Her former owners
came from Kentucky to capture her. Mrs. Stowe drove
her 12 miles into the country and hid her until the slave
hunters left. This little incident inspired her to write her
book.

Mrs. Stowe lectured and wrote against slavery. She
became known all over the world. England asked her to
visit that country, and great ovations were given her. An
offering of pennies was made. These pennies were turned
into icx)o gold sovereigns ($5000) and given to help fight
slavery.

The Duchess of Sutherland gave her a gold bracelet.
The links were like those of the slave chain. There were
twenty-eight links. On twenty-seven of them were in-
scribed the dates of the abolition of slavery in the English
possessions. On the twenty-eighth link Mrs. Stowe, later,
had 1865 cut. This was the date of America's emancipation.

Mrs. Stowe returned to America. She continued her
work against slavery. She founded schools, even taking
the colored children to her own home. She helped buy
ill-treated slaves and set them free. Each day saw her
writing letters against slavery to influential people.

Mrs. Stowe lived to see the slave freed and many in-
stitutions founded to educate him. She died in 1896.

ABRAHAM LINCOLN

1809-1865

ON a small farm in the backwoods of Kentucky was once
a small one-room cabin. One window let in light and
a big clumsy door creaked slowly on its hinges. Extending
above the roof was the huge, squat chimney. It told of the
fireplace in the room below.

One chill February day in the year 1809 a baby boy,
Abraham Lincoln, came to live in the little cabin. Amid
privations and poverty Abraham struggled and worked ever
onward and upward to fame and honor. He became the
greatest man of his time and many people think he was the
greatest President this country has ever known.

Abraham never had any of the fine chances that boys
have today. He went to no fine school building, no electric
cars carried him from place to place. His clothes were rough
homespun, made in his own home. His shoes were rough
leather, comfortless and ungainly. But he w^as a real boy.
Nothing was too hard for him. What he decided to do, he
did.

Abraham's father hked to move to new places. When
Abe was seven years old the family moved to Indiana
and began life again. In a rude log hut the family
spent that winter. During the winter the trees were

Abraham Lincoln.

Bradford Photo.

222 HEROES OF NATIONAL HISTORY

cut down and the land made ready for ploughing in the
spring.

The little hut had a garret. This was Abe's bedroom.
Every night he climbed the pegs in the wall and went to
sleep in the dark.

When he was nine years old his mother died. The next
year his father brought him another mother. This new
mother was kind and loving. She was energetic and honest.
She put new life and energy into the home. Lincoln, when
a man, said that most of his success came from her loving
care and training.

Of course, Lincoln did not go to school. In this new
land there were no schools. His mother taught him to read,
write, and cipher. Night after night he sat beside the log
fire reading from his borrowed books, or writing with char-
coal on the clean side of a shingle.

Each day saw Abe up at sunrise and ready to work on
the farm. All day long he toiled as only a farmer's boy
toils. What a strong, healthy boy he must have been to
stand all the work and still be willing and able to study at
night !

In his sixteenth year he earned his first dollar. He built
a small flat boat on the Ohio River. One day he was looking
proudly at his boat. Two men came hurrying along. ''Can
you take us out to the steamboat?" said one.

Jumping into the boat, Abe pushed off. Proudly he
held his small craft alongside the steamer. The men jumped
aboard. Each threw him a bright, new, shining half
dollar. He had never had so much money before. He
felt rich.

ABRAHAM LINCOLN 223

Lincoln was a tall, strong, thin boy. He could run faster,
fight harder, and wrestle better than any of the other boys.
All the boys liked him. He was good natured and fine at
telling stories.

At nineteen years of age he made his first trip down the
Mississippi on a flat boat. This was a big event in his life.
The rushing water, the hard work, and his rough com-
panions pleased him. On one of these trips he saw a slave
gang for the first time. Slaves sold in the market and
marching to work under their new masters was a new sight
to honest Abe. It made him sorry and angry. 'Tf ever I
get the chance to hit this thing I'll hit it hard !" he exclaimed.
This was the beginning of his hatred of slavery.

Soon after this his father moved to Illinois. The young
man was tired of this never-ending moving and breaking
new land for a new home. He told his father that he would
work for him one year more, and then he would begin to
work for himself. That year the two men built a log hut,
spht rails to fence in ten acres of land, ploughed the fields,
and planted corn. At the end of the year Lincoln left the
farm.

When Abe was twenty-three years old an Indian Chief,
'' Black Hawk," made war on the white people. Volun-
^v.ers were called for and Lincoln enhsted at once. He was
made a Captain. When the short war was over he returned
to his home.

What should he now do for a living? An opening in a
blacksmith shop was offered him. He refused it. He opened
a store. The store failed. He decided to become a law-
yer.

224 HEROES OF NATIONAL HISTORY

I CERTIFY, that '^tZo^Cr*^ ^/^ <i/^U^€xs^ Tolunlecred and served

(^ CZ^ y^-^^-C /^SZSEl- '" ^^ Cothpany of Mounted Volunteers under my

command, in the Regiment commanded by Col. Samuel M. Thompson, in the Brigade under the com-
mand of Generals S. Whiteside and H. Atkinson, called into the service of the United States by
the Commander-iflrChief of the Militia of the State, for the protection of the North Western Frontier
againet an Invasion of the British Band of Sac and other tribes of Indians, — that he was enrolled on the
^/"^^of .J(^'^^Ut'<jC 1832, and was HONORABLY DISCHARGED on th»
y'^ day of >^^.<cc, thereafter, having served ^"^f 0<c<-^^

Given under my hand, this (^/ day of ^^..jL^^S^Ci^i^ ^-e^%r 1532

Discharge paper given by Lincoln as Captain of Militia.

During the day Lincoln worked at odd jobs, at night he
studied law. He had few books. Once he heard of a man
who had a set of law books. That night he walked many
miles to borrow them. When he was twenty-eight years
old he passed his examinations and became a lawyer.

As a lawyer Lincoln rode the circuit, attending court in
the various towns of his district. He was never a great
lawyer, but he was always able to state his case clearly
and forcefully. This ability usually made him win his
cases.

Lincoln, the lawyer, became interested in politics. He
was elected to the state legislature and to the national
Congress. He was preparing for his life's work.

Throughout the country men and women were taking
sides on slavery. In the North and West many people
thought slavery wrong. They thought that no one had the
right to own another human being. In the South most of
the people thought slavery was right. To them the negro

ABRAHAM LINCOLN 225

slave was only an animal. They trained him to work for
them just as they trained their horses and cattle.

As time went on the feeling against slavery became
much stronger in the North. The South feared the North
would try to free their slaves, so slave owners were making
ready to leave the union of states.

In i860 it was time to choose a new president. Every
one was much excited. The great political party split into
two parts — a northern Democratic party and a southern
one. The people opposed to slavery formed a new party.
It was called the Republican party.

Each of these three parties named a man for President.
The Republicans named Abraham Lincoln. Lincoln was
elected.

At this time Lincoln's views on slavery were well known.
The South had decided to leave the Union if he were elected.
News of his election reached them. They prepared to form
their own government.

Lincoln told them he would not touch slavery in their
states, but the South did not believe him. Lincoln tried
to avoid a conflict, but finally in one of the states. South
Carolina, State troops fired on the stars and stripes floating
over Fort Sumter in Charleston harbor. This was the
beginning of the War of the Rebellion.

For four long years the North and the South fought on
many battlefields. The northern men fought to save the
union, the southern men to break it. Lincoln's strong hand
guided the North.

In the middle of the great contest Lincoln decided that
the time had come to free the slaves in the southern states.
15

226 HEROES OF NATIONAL HISTORY

A great battle was fought at Antietam. The Union forces
won. The next day Lincohi read his "Emancipation Proc-
lamation." This was a paper stating that the slaves were
free in all the warring states.

Fighting still went on. The southern army invaded
Pennsylvania. They advanced to Gettysburg. There the
northern forces met them. For three days the battle raged.
At the end of the third day the defeated southern troops
hurried back to Virginia. This was the high- water mark of
the Rebelhon.

Full of sorrow and pain at the thought of so many men
dying for their country President Lincoln went to Gettys-
burg. While on the train he wrote a speech that came
straight from his heart. Standing in a field made sacred
by the blood of the men who fell there Lincoln delivered his
"Address." It was one of the greatest short speeches in
history.

When he had finished speaking there was no applause.
Each heart was too full. The beautiful words and thoughts
carried all who heard them back through the war. At the
same time the speech made the people look forward to suc-
cess and to "resolve that these dead shall not have died in
vain — and that government by the people and for the people
shall not perish from the earth." Some day you will read
and appreciate this beautiful speech.

A little more than a year passed. The war was over.
The North had won. One evening, tired and weary from
the four long years of care and worry, Lincoln went to the
theatre with his wife and friends. The party was seated in
a box enjoying the play.

ABRAHAM LINCOLN 227

A young actor, John Wilkes Booth, quietly entered the
box from the rear. Going close to the President he shot
him in the head. With a huge knife he stabbed a member of
the party and jumped on to the stage. His spur caught in
the draperies. He fell and broke his leg. Staggering to his
feet and waving the bloody knife, he shouted "Sic semper
tyrannis" (So always to tyrants) and fled.

The crowd was amazed. For a minute no one moved.
The miscreant, in spite of his broken leg, made his escape.

Doctors rushed to the President's side. He was tenderly
carried to a small house across the street. All night long
the doctors worked. They could do nothing. In the early
morning Abraham Lincoln died for his country.

Soldiers searched the surrounding country for his mur-
derer. He was found in an old barn. After a desperate
fight he was shot and killed.

The news of Lincoln's death traveled rapidly over the
nation. Everywhere there was sorrow and gloom. Lin-
coln's body lay in state in Washington. The funeral train
passed through Philadelphia. Lincoln lay in state in Inde-
pendence Hall, and was seen by thousands of Philadelphia's
citizens. He was buried in Illinois.

Lincoln, the boy rail-splitter, became Lincoln, the Presi-
dent. He gave his best to his country. In our memories he
stands with Washington. Washington started our country
toward success; Lincoln saved it from destruction.

ULYSSES S. GRANT

1822-1885

TWTANY years ago a strong English family sailed from
^^•^ England to Massachusetts. These sturdy Puritans
scattered throughout the country. One of their descendants
traveled westward to the new state of Ohio.

Here in a small town on an April day the great miHtary
leader, Ulysses S. Grant, was born. Ulysses' father owned
a large tannery and farm in Ohio. There was plenty of
work in the tannery and on the farm. All the family helped.

WHien Ulysses was eight years old he drove a team from
the woods to the house, hauling the winter's supply of fire-
wood. He liked this job, for he was driving horses. He
loved horses, and was willing to do anything to handle them.

When eleven years old he ploughed the fields, and until
he was seventeen he did all the farm work that made him
use horses.

Ulysses soon learned to ride. Sometimes he used a sad-
dle, at other times he rode bareback. He practised stunts.
One day he surprised his family by galloping past standing
erect on his horse.

The boy's hfe was not always full of work. Grant went
to school and worked at the three R's, some days indus-
triously, some days lazily. Work and play alternated.

228

ULYSSES S. GRANT 229

Fishing and hunting were always permitted, while winter
time brought the joys of skating and sleighing.

Three years of his life were spent in a kind of preparatory
school a few miles from his home. "I was not always
studious," says Grant.

Father Grant was proud of his son. He thought that
some day Ulysses would be a great man. The neighbors,
however, thought that the boy would never amount to much.

During vacations and after school hours Ulysses worked
in the tan yard sorting bark or cleaning skins. How he
hated that place!

''What do you want to do?" said his father one day.

'1 want to go to college," replied the boy.

Father Grant was willing to please the boy. He could
not afford to send him to college.

His father thought and thought. "Perhaps I can get
him an appointment to West Point," thought he.

Through a friend an appointment to the Military
Academy was secured. In 1839 Ulysses, then seventeen
years old, started on the long journey from Ohio to West
Point. That journey was a big event in the boy's life. He
had never before been far from home. He traveled on
horseback, in stage-coaches, canal-boats, railroad, and
finally in a steamboat. The close of the eventful trip brought
him to the famous Military Academy on the Hudson River.

In the Academy Grant showed no promise of future
greatness. He passed all his examinations, but that was all.
In horsemanship, however, he surpassed all his class. In
1843 he was graduated and assigned to the Fourth United
States Infantry as second lieutenant.

230 HEROES OF NATIONAL HISTORY

After a three months' vacation the young Heu tenant
went to St. Louis to join his regiment. Garrison Hfe was
dull. Each day saw the same duties done. Advancement
seemed impossible. He decided to resign.

Just at this time the Mexican War began. Grant at
once changed his mind. Here was a chance for work, ex-
citement, adventure, and promotion.

First he was sent to the Rio Grande with General
Taylor. Later he was with General Scott in the march
through Mexico to its capital city. Grant was in nearly
every battle in the war. He served with bravery and honor,
and was promoted to first lieutenant.

After the war his regiment was sent to California.
On the coast, away from friends and loved ones, the lonely
young man spent several years. He was made a captain.
Six years after the close of the Mexican War he left the
army to return to his wife, whom he had married during the
war.

Returning to St. Louis, his father-in-law gave him a
large farm. Early and late he worked to make a living for
his family. A fever seized him. He was sick a long time.
There was no one to work the farm. The crops failed.

Selling the farm. Grant tried business. This was also
a failure. Discouraged, he took his family to his father's
home. The firm of Grant & Sons gave him work in its
tannery as bookkeeper. His army experience was a great
help. Success in business seemed near.

The clouds of war, however, were gathering. Thicker
and thicker they grew until the storm burst. Grant offered
his services to his country. ''We have a government, and

ULYSSES S. GRANT 231

laws, and a flag, and they must all be sustained," said he.
His application for a commission in the regular army was
never answered.

While waiting for the answer he became mustering
officer for the volunteers of his state, Illinois.

For several months Grant waited for his commission.
No word came. He was anxious to serve. What should he
do? The answer came from Illinois. A regiment had been
formed and its colonel appointed. Nothing went right.
The colonel knew nothing of military affairs. In despair,
he resigned. Friends made the governor of the state think
of Captain Grant. ''Will you accept a commission as
colonel of the 21st Illinois?" was the message sent Captain
Grant. Joyfully and gratefully he took the position.

The regiment was in disorder. No one knew how to
stand in proper formation. The new colonel meant business
and he knew how. In a few weeks the disorderly mob be-
came a disciplined regiment.

Grant and his regiment were sent to Missouri. Here
his services were so valuable that President Lincoln made
him a brigadier-general of volunteers. The new general
was placed in command of the campaign in southern Mis-
souri.

One of the big things to be done in the West was to
drive the Southern forces away from the Mississippi River.
General Grant directed nearly all of the fighting along this
great river. His first point of attack was Fort Henry.
This fort was on the Tennessee River, near where it flows into
the Ohio.

A fleet of gunboats sailed up the Ohio while Grant and

232 HEROES OF NATIONAL HISTORY

his forces marched overland to attack the fort. The fort
fell before this united attack.

Not far away was a stronger fort, called Fort Donelson.
The combined forces moved against this. Donelson, how-
ever, was on a high bluff. The guns of the boats could not
reach it. Grant skilfully placed his army around the fort.
Supplies became scarce in the besieged place.

"What terms will you give?" asked the Confederate
commander.

''No terms but immediate and unconditional surrender,"
was General Grant's prompt answer. His initials now stood
for a new name — ''Unconditional Surrender" Grant! And
on these terms Fort Donelson surrendered.

The fall of these two forts put new heart in the Union
forces. It was good news after the many failures in Vir-
ginia. Lincoln said: "I like Grant. He works." So he
commissioned the victor a major-general.

Grant steadily forced the Confederates away from the
Mississippi. Vicksburg was the key to the river. Ad-
vancing toward the stronghold. Grant's force laid siege to
the fort.

They tried to capture it a number of times, but were re-
pulsed. They persisted. For seven weeks the Union forces
poured shot and shell all day and all night into Vicksburg.
People there had to live in caves to escape death. On
July 4, 1863, the fort surrendered. Lincoln said, "The
Father of Waters now flows unvexed to the sea."

From Vicksburg Grant hurried to raise the siege at
Chattanooga. His success pleased Lincoln. He had found
a man who really did things. Here was the man to finish

Ulysses S. Grant.

From wood engraving in
"Harper's Magazine," 1885.

234 HEROES OF NATIONAL HISTORY

the task. He made Grant lieutenant-general and com-
mander of the Union armies.

The new commander decided to go to Virginia. On
reaching that state he filled his army with enthusiasm.
He hurled them at the Confederates. Many brave men gave
their lives for their country. Each foot of land was hotly
contested. Grant ever pushed on.

On a day in April, 1865, the Confederate army, worn and
weary, without food and with little ammunition, surren-
dered to General Grant, and the great conflict was over.

Grant, however, was not flushed with victory. He looked
at General Lee, the Confederate commander. He thought
of the hardy men who had fought so bravely against him
and failed. Sympathy and kindness filled his heart. Then
he told General Lee the terms of the surrender. Such
generous terms had never before been given by the con-
queror to the conquered.

'^All the officers and men are to take an oath not to fight
again. The officers are to keep their swords; the men their
horses and mules. All are to go back to their homes and
begin life over again."

As the boys in gray marched past to give up their
guns the boys in blue stood silently at salute. No cheers,
no guns, nothing but perfect quiet greeted the surrender of
the brave Southerners. They, too, were Americans.

On May 23 to 24, 1866, General Grant reviewed his
army for the last time. The grand review was in Wash-
ington.

In 1868 General Grant was elected President of the
United States. He served for eight years. During this

ULYSSES S. GRANT 235

time many important laws were passed and the country
began to recover from the effects of the war.

Tired out from his campaigns in the war and from the
duties of President, General Grant planned a long vacation.
He made a trip around the world.

On his return he started in business in New York City
with a Mr. Ward. Ward was a sharper. He traded on
Grant's name, deceiving and robbing many people. The
concern failed. After an investigation Grant was reheved
of any blame, but his savings were gone.

At this time he became sick. After this he never knew
a well day. His courage and determination, however, were
not weakened. He struggled on. Many a day he knew
not from whence the next day's food would come. He was
determined, however, to repay his creditors.

In this extremity a tardy Congress recognized his ser-
vices. They placed him on the retired army list with his
former rank of general.

A publishing house persuaded Grant to write the story
of his life and work. This book is called his ''Memoirs."
Day after day he worked long after he was unable to talk
at all. ''Never give up" was always his motto. He plodded
on until the work was finished.

Soon after the "Memoirs" was finished he grew weaker.
Nothing could be done to cure his disease, and he died July
23, 1885. His remains now rest in a massive, handsome
tomb on the banks of the Hudson River, in Riverside
Park, New York City.

A united country today honors the man who led his
forces to victory and so recemented the bonds of the Union.

JAY COOKE

1821-1905

"PENNSYLVANIA, the Keystone State, has given many
-*" sons and daughters to aid our country. During at
least three great wars Pennsylvania men have stepped for-
ward and helped with money matters.

During the Revolution Robert Morris carried the finan-
cial burden. At a critical moment in the War of 18^2
Stephen Girard bought millions of dollars worth of bonds
and saved our credit. Again in the War of the Rebellion
Jay Cooke organized committees and sold bonds for the
nation.

Curiously enough, none of these men was born in Penn-
sylvania. Robert Morris was English; Stephen Girard,
French, while Jay Cooke was born in Ohio.

Cooke's native place was a small frontier town. The
surrounding country was covered with forests. In the woods
were many Indians. The chief of one of the tribes was
named Ogontz. He liked Jay. Many a time did he carry
the small boy on his shoulders.

Jay's father was a well-known citizen of the town.
As his father was wealthy, Jay went to the best schools.
At night his grandfather drilled him in his studies.

Like all country boys, he had many chores to do. Each
morning at sunrise he was in the barn feeding the horses and

336

JAY COOKE 237

COWS. After breakfast there was wood to saw, split, and
carry in.

With all these duties Jay had plenty of time to play.
He wandered in the woods, hunted, and went fishing. When
tired of outdoor life he sat reading in his father's well-filled
library.

Boys in those times began to work when quite young.
He was fourteen years old when he obtained his first job.
This was in a country store.

About this time he joined a boy's debating club. After
work was over they met and talked over the leading ques-
tions of the day. Of course they talked about slavery.
Many of the boys were in favor of slavery; some of them,
including Jay Cooke, wxre opposed to it.

In 1836 the youth left Ohio to take a position in St.
Louis. He was to receive $600 a year. At that time St.
Louis was a small town whose people were mostly French
and Indians. He stayed here but a few months.

His brother-in-law, Mr. Moorhead, started a freight and
passenger line from Philadelphia to Ohio. The route was
partly stage, partly canal boat, and partly railroad. Need-
ing help in Philadelphia, Moorhead sent for Jay. Jay was
to sell tickets, attend to the advertising, and to secure
freight for the new line.

Jay Cooke started East. He reached Philadelphia in
1838 just in time to see the burning of the old Pennsyl-
vania Hall by a pro-slavery mob.

The youth did not stay long. Loneliness overcame him;
so home he went in the fall of the same year.

The next year Clark's Banking House, a Philadelphia

238 HEROES OF NATIONAL HISTORY

firm, offered Jay Cooke a position, which he accepted. This
was his beginning in the banking business.

Cooke was money counter for the firm. He was fast and
accurate. His smiUng face and good humor soon made him
many friends.

In 1843 J^y Cooke became a member of the firm. His
investments were good, and he made a small fortune. In
1857 he left the firm. For the next four years he traveled
over the country, enjoying a vacation from business worries.

The beginning of the Civil War brought him home.

In 1 86 1 he opened a banking house in Philadelphia at
114 South 3d Street. The business grew and his house soon
became second in importance only to that of D rex el & Co.

His first public work was to help his own state. Penn-
sylvania's credit was very low. The state needed $3,000,000.
No one wanted to buy the bonds. Jay Cooke quietly visited
his friends and told them that they must be patriotic. He
sold the entire loan in a few days.

This was but the beginning of his work. The great war
was tearing the nation into two parts. The North had plenty
of money, but no one wanted to lend it. Each person thought
that the government might be defeated. They might never
see their money again. So they tightly buttoned up their
pockets.

The Battle of Bull Run was fought. News of the defeat
of the Union forces came to Philadelphia. The time had
come for patriots to show their colors.

Jay Cooke made a trip through the city. In a few hours
he had collected $2,000,000 for the government.

This was fine! Secretary Chase came to Philadelphia.

B^^

■ &1^

■H^H^^H^^^^^^^^^^^k -^^^^HSBSSk 9

■1

^^^^^^^1^^.^" ^

Gutekunst Photo.

340 HEROES OF NATIONAL HISTORY

"Come to New York with me," said he to Cooke, ''you
must help me organize that city.''

Soon after this Cooke was made the sole agent for the
sale of government bonds. This was a hard task. Many
people had no faith in the government. Many were opposed
to the war. A very few bought the bonds.

Cooke planned his campaign in his home at ''The
Cedars," in the Chelten Hills. How could he sell the
bonds? "First," thought he, "I must advertise them. I
must interest the editors of the newspapers."

At once agents were sent out. Cooke himself visited
many of the editors. Little by little the papers followed
him. At last all the powerful papers were preaching, "Buy
bonds."

Still he thought, "Many of our people work all day.
They cannot go to the banks during the day. I have it.
Let us open night offices!"

To think with him was to do. Offices were opened at
once, and kept open all night. Soon money began to pour
from the pockets of the workers into the public treasury.
In 140 days Jay Cooke sold $700,000,000 worth of bonds for
the government.

After the war was won Cooke became interested in rail-
roads. The Union Pacific Railroad had been built. Plans
were laid for a Southern Pacific line. "Why not a Northern
Pacific too?" thought Jay Cooke.

Taking out his maps, he studied the route. Agents were
sent to the West to examine a possible route. All the re-
ports were good. Cooke decided to get the money to build
the new railroad.

JAY COOKE 241

With a number of friends he raised $5,000,000 to build a
portion of the hne. Then bonds were issued. Cooke sold
a great many, but more money was needed.

Agents were sent to Europe. They failed. Other agents
were sent, who succeeded. A golden stream began to pour
from Europe when a war broke out. The stream stopped.

Unfortunately for the new line, it needed money most
when the money stopped coming. No one would lend, the
government refused its aid, and the railroad failed.

This was too much for Jay Cooke. Many of his securities
were in this railroad. His business had weathered many a
storm, but this was too severe. His banking house closed
its doors.

The failure of Jay Cooke & Co. astonished the world.
Down with it went many firms. Soon the whole country
was in financial distress. Mr. Cooke wished to take charge
of his business to re-establish it and pay his creditors. The
law would not allow him to do this.

In 1865 during his prosperous days he bought a large
tract of land in the Chelten Hills. On this he built a mag-
nificent house. For eighteen months the workmen labored
and Cooke spent over a million dollars. The magnificent
house is near Old York Road in Ogontz. Cooke called the
mansion "Ogontz" in memory of the Indian friend of his
boyhood days.

The house contained fifty-two bedrooms. It was built
of stone quarried near Philadelphia. The wood was bought
in Philadelphia. All the workmen were Philadelphians. The
walls were frescoed by a Philadelphia artist and the furni-
ture made and furnished by a Philadelphia concern. On its
16

242 HEROES OF NATIONAL HISTORY

walls hung paintings by all the noted Pennsylvania artists.
Only its carpets were not made in Pennsylvania. They
were manufactured in Massachusetts.

In this fine palace Jay Cooke lived and entertained his
many friends. President Grant was a frequent visitor who
enjoyed his hospitality.

After his banking house failed Jay Cooke gave up
''Ogontz," living in a small cottage. He rented an office
down town, and worked hard to rebuild his fortune.

Fortune favored this man. Some time before his failure
he had bought a share in a silver mine for $3000. This was
the source of his second fortune.

The silver mine struck a fine paying vein of silver. The
output increased. Soon Jay Cooke was receiving $80,000 a
year from the mine. A few years later he sold his interests
for $1,000,000.

One of his first acts was to see that all his debts were
paid. Then he rebought ''Ogontz." The palace had been
dismantled. All the furnishings had been sold. He never
lived in it again. Instead, he gave it almost rent free to a
school for girls. It is still in active use, and is one of the
best girls' schools in Pennsylvania.

Jay Cooke, throughout his long life, was always char-
itable. On an island in Lake Erie he owned a magnificent
summer home. It was his custom to send needy clergymen
to ''Gibraltar," as he called it, for their vacations. He paid
all of their expenses.

At his death, in 1905, he was buried in a beautiful mau-
soleum which he had built on his estate at Ogontz.

ROBERT E. LEE

1807-1870

ONE of the bravest and most brilliant officers America
has ever produced was General Robert E. Lee. He
was a native of Virginia. When the Civil War broke out,
although he opposed secession, he believed that his first
duty was to Virginia. He chose to fight for his native
state rather than for the Union.

Lee lived at Arlington on a beautiful estate just across
the Potomac River from Washington. During the war this
estate was seized by the Federal Government. Today it is
a national soldiers' cemetery. Here repose, in their last
sleep, thousand of soldiers who gave their lives for their
country.

Lee's father was Light Horse Harry Lee of Revolu-
tionary fame. When the boy Robert was eleven years old
his father died. Robert attended school in Arlington, pre-
paring to enter West Point. At eighteen he was a cadet
in the National Mihtary Academy.

At West Point he was a model student. All his work
was well done. His uniform was spotless and his gun
polished till it shone. He was a joy to the officer in charge
of inspection.

The young cadet held, successively, the various offices
open to the students. At graduation Lee was cadet ad-

243

244 HEROES OF NATIONAL HISTORY

jutant, the highest honor attainable. He was graduated
second in a class of 46.

After graduation he was appointed second lieutenant
in the Engineers' Corps, a position open only to the best
students.

The engineers' work was along the coast lines and near
the cities. This kept the young lieutenant in the life that
he liked. He was fond of social life and was as much at
home in the drawing room as in the barracks.

Two years after graduation he married Mary Custis.
His wife was the daughter of the adopted son of George
Washington. Her grandmother was Martha Custis, George
Washington's wife.

While in the Engineers' Corps he was busy planning and
supervising the strengthening of the coast defences of the
country. Later he was sent to the Mississippi to assist
in work to compel the waters of that river to stay in its
channel. His work has stood the ravages of the river and
is still in good working order.

During the Mexican War he served with honor and dis-
tinction, receiving the hearty approval of General Winfield
Scott, his commanding ofhcer.

In 1852 Lee was appointed Superintendent of West
Point. For three years he directed this military college.

Relieved from this duty, he went west, a lieutenant
colonel in the cavalry. About this time Mrs. Lee's father
died, leaving her his large estate at Arlington. Lee did not
like the work in the West. The wild life, the lack of social
activities, contact with the Indians, none of these appealed
to him.

Kqbert K. Lee.

Gutekunst Photo.

246 HEROES OF NATIONAL HISTORY

In 1 86 1 Robert E7Eee reacEed tlie decisive point in his
life. In April of that year Virginia decided to leave the
Union. Just before this General Scott sent Mr. Blair to
Lee, offering him the command of the Union Army. Lee
replied, "I declined the offer, . . . stating that though op-
posed to secession and deprecating war, I could take no part
in an invasion of the Southern States." A few days later
he resigned from the Federal Army, declaring that he
would never draw his sword again save in the defense of his
native state.

Jefferson Davis was made president of the new govern-
ment formed by the Southern States. He called Robert
E. Lee to command the Southern armies in Virginia.

Most of the battles of the war were fought in Virginia.
General Lee was soon in command of all the Southern armies.
He led them to many a victory. For four long years his
masterly generalship kept the Union forces out of Rich-
mond. He led his armies into Pennsylvania. The people
in Philadelphia were filled with dismay. Could the Union
forces stop his advance? The two armies met at Gettys-
burg. For three days the battle raged. On the third day
the torn and shattered Confederate forces were compelled
to retreat. It was an orderly retreat, General Lee seeing
his army safely across the Potomac River.

At the end of the war General Lee was released on his
promise not to take up arms again against the Union. His
home was gone, money was scarce, but a kind friend offered
his family a home in a quiet part of Virginia. He accepted.

When the news of Lincoln's assassination reached him,
he denounced it. That kind of warfare had no appeal for

ROBERT E. LEE 247

him. He knew also that Lincoln was one of the best friends
the South could have.

President Johnson said that all the Southerners could
apply for pardon. General Lee was one of the first to make
application. He felt it was his duty. Said he to a friend,
''If you intend to reside in this country, and wish to do your
part in the restoration of your state and in the government
of the country, which I think is the duty of every citizen to
do, I know of no objections to your taking the amnesty
oath." From this time on Lee used his influence to bring
about peace and good will in the South. He tried to heal
the wounds made by the war, and to create conditions that
would lead to good relations between the South and the
North.

At this time he was asked to become President of Wash-
ington College. This college had been almost destroyed
during the war. Lee accepted the trust. Under his wise
administration the college recovered rapidly. He was per-
sonally interested in each student. Here he had a fine
chance to teach them to forget the old sores of the war and
to look forward to peaceful relations with their northern
friends. He served the college faithfully until his death
in 1870.

General Lee was a great man. He fought valiantly in
a lost cause, but when the struggle was over, realizing that
the cause was lost, he threw himself heart and soul into the
work of restoring his state to the Union.

GROVER CLEVELAND

1837-1908

IN this great, free country every boy or girl may have a
chance if he only takes it. Neither poverty nor riches
lead to greatness. For those who try hard enough, work
hard enough and keep at it, success awaits.

A boy who worked and tried was Grover Cleveland. His
father was a Presbyterian minister in a small country town.
At no time in his early life was there much money in the
house. Grover was born in New Jersey in 1837 and when he
was four years old his family moved to the state in which
he became famous — New York.

That journey was much unlike our travels today. By
stage-coach they journeyed to the Hudson River, then on
the ferry-boat to New York City. In the city they boarded
a sailing boat to Albany. At Albany a mule-drawn packet
boat carried them on Erie Canal to a small town near their
new home. The journey was almost over. A few miles in
a stage-coach, and there they were.

Grover's new home was a two-story frame house, just
across the road from a good Academy. His brothers and
sisters went there, but Grover was too young. He attended
a pubHc school until he was old enough to enter the Academy.

The youth was a diligent student. He early learned the

248

GROVER CLEVELAND 249

value of time and of hard work. His greatest desire was to
go to college. This was not to be.

One day his parents were talking about money matters.
Grover listened to their talk. The next day he secured a
job in a country store. All day long he worked in the store
and at night he read and studied.

His father's health failed. The minister secured a posi-
tion that took less energy. Grover went to visit an uncle in
Buffalo. He spent all his money, and had to work his way
home on the canal-boats.

Again his father's health failed. He had to stop work.
Suddenly he died. The members of his congregations re-
membered the good man who had worked so hard for them.
Money was raised. A house was bought and given to
Mother Cleveland

Grover was now sixteen years old. Leaving home, he
went to the great city. In New York he secured a position
as bookkeeper and assistant teacher in a school for the blind.
There was little chance for advancement. He decided to go
west and grow up with the country.

He went to his home for a visit. He had little money,
not enough to pay his expenses west. A friend loaned him
$25. Said his friend, ''When you are able to repay me, give
the $25 to some other young man to start him in life."

With a friend Cleveland started west. Reaching Buf-
falo, he decided to call on his uncle. His uncle was a lawyer
and lived on a large stock farm. ''Don't go west!" said he.
"Stay here with me. Help me on the farm and with this
book I am writing. I'll give you a chance to study law."
Grover stayed.

2SO HEROES OF NATIONAL HISTORY

Some time after this Grover's uncle secured him a posi-
tion in a lawyer's office. He was to have no pay until he
proved he was worth something. One day the lawyer
placed a law book in his hand. ''Read it," said he. This
was the beginning of his law studies.

His habits of work, formed when a little boy, now helped
him. He studied until he was able to pass his examinations
and became a lawyer when twenty-two years old. His em-
ployers trusted him in all things, and he became manager
of their office at a salary of $1000 a year.

His uncle's farm was two miles from the city. Cleveland
thought the four-mile daily walk took too much time. He
rented a room in an attic near his office. Each night found
him hard at work over his books until very late. Each day
he was up early and at work.

When he was twenty-one years old he cast his vote
for the Democratic party. All his life he worked for its
aims. From the beginning he was interested in politics,
helping at the polls.

About this time excitement was ever3rwhere. The coun-
try was divided. Lincoln was running for President. War
was in the air.

Cleveland's two brothers entered the army, but he stayed
home to take care of his mother. Soon after this he was
appointed Assistant District Attorney at Buffalo. His work
in this office was good. When the District Attorney's term
was over Cleveland was nominated, but the Republicans
won that time. He returned to his private practice.

Political affairs in Buffalo were in bad s' ape. Graft and
dishonesty were everywhere. This was most true in the

Grover Cleveland.

Photo, by
Underwood & Underwood.

252 HEROES OF NATIONAL HISTORY

sheriff's office. Many good citizens in Buffalo decided that
these bad things must be changed. Whom should they
choose to make them better? They selected Grover Cleve-
land.

Without asking his consent, they made him sheriff.
Cleveland worked day and night. Friends and foes were
treated with justice. Graft disappeared from the office.
The people of Buffalo had an honest, steadfast officer at last.

When his term of office was over he began his law prac-
tice again. Many cases came to him and he made money.
His kind heart, however, kept him poor. Frequently he
paid the court expenses for a poor client and charged no fee.

The story is told of a poor woman who came to him for
help. Her husband was sick. She had no money. Interest
on her mortgage was due. The holder of the mortgage
threatened to put her and her sick husband in the street.
Cleveland heard her story; told her to sit still, and went to
his bank. Drawing out $1400, he paid the mortgage and sent
the poor woman home rejoicing.

Buffalo was a strong Republican city. For many years
its mayors had been corrupt. The people were weary of the
rottenness. Democrats and Republicans united. They
elected Cleveland mayor of the city. This was in 1882.

Cleveland's first act was to clean up the city. Then he
compelled the city councils to provide good sewers. Daily
he watched the people's interests. So strong was he and
such good work did he that before his term of office was over
he was elected Governor of the state of New York.

While governor he still kept watch on the people's
interests. Many bills were passed that would rob the peo-

GROVER CLEVELAND 253

pie. Cleveland vetoed them all. To him the state was a
client and he the lawyer. His duty was to protect the
state.

Said one of the plain citizens of Albany, 'This new
governor's a hard-working sort of man. Doesn't make any
fuss either. He walks too; doesn't seem to have any use
for a carriage."

A presidential election was near. For many years the
Republican party had elected the presidents. A change was
coming. The people of the United States liked the hard-
working, honest governor of New York. They elected him
President.

On March 4, 1885, Cleveland took the oath of office in
Washington, and began his work.

In Washington he was the same as in Albany. No work
was too hard for him. No effort too great to serve the
people and protect their interests.

While President he was married. This was the first
wedding in the White House. A great time was made over
it all over the United States.

At the end of four years he was defeated for the presi-
dency by Benjamin Harrison. But at the next election he
was again chosen President.

During his second term serious troubles started between
Venezuela and British Guiana about boundaries. Great
Britain sided with British Guiana. She threatened to send
ships to make Venezuela yield. President Cleveland said
*'No! Venezuela and Guiana must reach their own agree-
ment. England cannot interfere over here."

For a time the situation was serious, and nearly led to war.

254 HEROES OF NATIONAL HISTORY

Cleveland insisted that England must not interfere. Finally
England agreed. The boundary line was fixed peacefully
and the trouble was over.

At the end of his second administration Cleveland re-
tired to private life. He spent his time in study, law prac-
tice, and in fishing and hunting. He was one of the greatest
fishermen of his day.

In 1908 he died peacefully at his home. Cleveland
throughout his life was honest and trustworthy. In one of
his speeches he said, "A public office is a public trust."
This was his motto at all times. He worked for the people
as he worked for himself. His was a Hfe of courage, truth-
fulness, and honesty.

WILLIAM Mckinley

1843-1901

OHIO has been the birthplace of many of our heroes.
Many years ago, in one of its Kttle towns, the boy
WilHam McKinley was born. He was a lovable child,
full of sympathy for his friends and for animals. As he
grew larger, his friendships grew also. Those who knew
him loved him.

His father was manager of an iron furnace. To give
the boy a better education he moved eleven miles away
from his work. Each day he went back and forth.

Wilham worked hard in school, studying his lessons care-
fully. He was a real boy. He liked marbles, made kites,
was a good shot with a bow and arrow. When the snow was
off the ground he was the first to go barefoot. How he
showed his stubbed toes or his stone bruises! What pride
he had in these evidences of boydom. Above all, he liked
swimming.

While he played hard, he also worked hard. Theodore
Roosevelt once said in Philadelphia, ''Boys, when you play,
play hard! When you work, work hard!" McKinley lived
these words.

At the age of seventeen McKinley enlisted to serve in the
Civil War. The young private fought with the Army of the
Potomac at Antietam. Later, as lieutenant, he was with

255

256 HEROES OF NATIONAL HISTORY .

Sheridan at Winchester. At the close of the war he was a
major.

At thirty-three McKinley was a Congressman. He
served many years in the United States Congress. His
services were so fine that he became known all over the"
country. While in Congress he proposed a law that is
now called the "McKinley Tariff Law." Many people
think this law helped make our country prosperous.

In 1 89 1 McKinley was elected Governor of Ohio. He
served his people so well that he was re-elected for a second
term. In 1896 the people of our nation chose him for their
president. In 1900 he was re-elected. ;

During his administration troubles in Cuba became un-
bearable. Spain for many years had been treating the
Cubans harshly. The poor people were almost slaves.
Troops were sent to Cuba by Spain. These troops killed
many of the people.

Our country could not permit this to go on. The battle-
ship ''Maine" was sent to Cuba on a friendly mission.
While lying in Havana harbor it was blown up. At once>
the American people demanded war. The destruction of
the ship, combined with the Spanish cruelties in Cuba, was
too much.

War was declared. Men hurried to enlist. Our battle-
ships put to sea. On the other side of the world Spain had
colonies called the Philippines. Admiral Dewey, in com-
mand of the American ships, attacked the Spaniards at
Manila Bay. Without the loss of a ship the Americans won.
The Philippines were taken from Spain.

In Cuba our forces defeated the Spaniards in several

William McKiNLEY. Underwood & Underwood.

258 HEROES OF NATIONAL HISTORY

battles, the most important being at San Juan. In this
battle Colonel Roosevelt, at the head of his rough riders,
stormed the hill and helped win the battle.

On the sea our ships defeated and sunk most of the
Spanish navy near Santiago, Cuba.

In one hundred days the war was over. Spain was
defeated and her cruelties in the New World brought to an
end.

In the treaty of peace America received Porto Rico and
the Philippines. We agreed to be guardians for Cuba.
We also agreed to pay Spain some money for the buildings
she had in her former possessions.

During the war Hawaii asked to become part of the
United States. Her request was granted and those beautiful
islands became part of our country.

Soon after Major McKinley returned from service in
the Civil War he was married. Mrs. McKinley's father
gave them a beautiful home in Canton, Ohio. This was
McKinley's most loved place. The couple had two chil-
dren, but both died. After the death of the second child
Mrs. McKinley became an invalid. From that time on she
never knew a well day.

McKinley's home life was charming. He adored his
wife and never missed a chance to show his love. Here
we see him at his best. His loving, sympathetic nature
caused him to strive to make her happy and comfortable.

Shortly after his re-election to the presidency a great
exposition was opened at Buffalo, New York. This was
the Pan-American Exposition. McKinley was invited tc
make an address and to open the Exposition.

WILLIAM Mckinley 259

The President went to Buffalo. There he made one of
his greatest speeches. The next day a pubHc reception
was given him. Standing in the Temple of Music, the crowd
filed slowly by him. McKinley had a pleasant smile and
a handshake for all.

A small well-dressed man approached. His right hand
seemed injured. He carried it against his breast, covered
with a handkerchief. He approached the President.
Slowly he extended his left hand. President McKinley
grasped it. From the handkerchief-covered hand the villain
fired a pistol, striking McKinley in the breast. He fired
again. Another bullet hit the President in the abdomen.

Sorely wounded, McKinley dropped into the arms of a
friend. A burly detective knocked the assassin to the
floor. Soldiers jumped on him and pounded him. Our
wounded President, turning slightly, murmured, "Don't
let them hurt him."

Crowds gathered. Cries of ''Lynch him" were heard.
Quickly the soldiers formed around the cowardly assassin.
They hurried him to jail. He was tried, found guilty, and
executed.

Meanwhile McKinley was carried to a hospital. Skilled
doctors worked over him. They hoped to save his life.
For several days he lay in agony. Hopeful news came from
the sick room. He rallied under the treatment, and then
collapsed. Eight days after the shooting McKinley died.

The whole country was plunged in sorrow. His bravery
in his last illness; the pathetic figure of his sick wife, appealed
to everyone. For a few days his body lay in state in Buffalo.
From there it was taken to Washington. At the Capitol

26o HEROES OF NATIONAL HISTORY

he lay on the same bier that had held Lincoln and Garfield.
He was buried at his home in Canton, Ohio.

Our country still carries him in its heart. Once a year
it is the custom to place carnations on his grave and on his
statues.

''It was his lovable nature, his though tfulness for others,
his consideration of their feelings, and his constant desire
to aid others that made him loved."

CLARA BARTON

1821-1914

ALL England loves the memory of the brave Florence
Nightingale who risked her Hfe to serve her country-
men on the battlefields of the Crimea. In America all
hearts turn in loving admiration to Clara Barton, who
during the terrible Civil War calmly moved on the battle-
fields giving aid and comfort to the wounded and dying.

Clara Barton was a daughter of Massachusetts. Her
father, an Indian fighter under General Anthony Wayne,
often told her stories about his adventures with the Indians.

Clara's brothers taught her mathematics and to ride
horses; her sisters led her in the other paths of learning.
She became a teacher, and opened the first free school in
New Jersey at Bordentown, continuing until too ill to
teach. Leaving the school, she secured a position as head
clerk in the Patent Ofhce at Washington.

Clara Barton worked in this ofhce until the Civil War
broke out in 1861. Then she volunteered as nurse to work
on the battlefields.

During the Peninsular Campaign she worked with the
Union forces under McClellan. Daily she was on the field
of battle helping care for the wounded. Frightful scenes
were all around her. Undaunted, she went steadily from

261

262 HEROES OF NATIONAL HISTORY

one wounded man to another, binding the wounds of one,
giving water to another, or receiving the last message of
those about to die. Friend and foe alike, she cared for.

For eight months Clara Barton worked in hospitals on
Morris Island during the siege of Charleston. She was with
Grant in the terrible campaign in the Wilderness, and was
an angel of mercy to many a suffering Union or Confederate
soldier.

In the last year of the war Clara Barton was head nurse
in the hospital at the front with the Army of the Potomac.
Here she rendered distinguished services in her management
of the supplies and in the care of the suffering.

After the war Miss Barton undertook to search for the
four thousand missing men. She visited Andersonville
prison, laying out the national soldiers' cemetery, and
marking with little stones the graves of twelve thousand
nine hundred soldiers of the Union. Over those of four
hundred more tablets were placed graven with the sad
word, "Unknown."

Clara Barton spent four years locating the missing
soldiers. Afterward she went to Switzerland to rest.

~ In Switzerland a new society, called the Red Cross
Society, had been organized. This society had permission
from all European countries to work on any battlefield
without hindrance. They planned to be a band of mercy
to friend and foe alike.

Miss Barton became interested. She enhsted in the
work during the Franco-Prussian War. After the siege of
Strassburg she worked day and night caring for the wounded.

In 1873, on her return to America, she requested Con-

Clara Barton.

Photo, by
Underwood & Underwood.

264 HEROES OF NATIONAL HISTORY

gress to join the European nations in the agreement about
Red Cross work. For eight years she worked to interest
Congress. Then she organized the American Red Cross
Society, becoming its first president.

The Red Cross was a war society. Clara Barton thought
that there was work in peace times also. She proposed to
change their constitution. ''Wars come infrequently, but
accidents happen all the time. Let us plan to give help
in all great calamities. Let this society plan to help those
who suffer from floods, famine, fires, earthquakes, or any
other great accident," said Miss Barton. The idea was
accepted at once. The constitution was changed and the
society made ready to do still greater work.

The organization was soon to be tested. In Michigan
forest fires caused great destruction. The Red Cross
Society at once sent nurses, other helpers, and money.
Floods destroyed portions of the Mississippi Valley; again
the society was active. The Charleston earthquake and
the Johnstown flood found the American Red Cross on
the ground ready and willing to help.

The great famine in Russia in 1891-92 taxed the resources
of this country. From all over the United States money
and food were given. The American Red Cross Society
saw that this help was given to the right people. During
the Armenian Massacres even the Sultan of Turkey finally
accepted Miss Barton's aid.

In 1898 President McKinley sent her to Cuba to super-
vise the help given to those starving people. She was
there during the Spanish-American War, working on the
battlefields among the wounded.

CLARA BARTON

265

In her eightieth year a terrible tidal wave wiped out
the city of Galveston. Forgetting her age and weakness,
she hurried to the stricken city. There she directed the
work of the Red Cross until her strength gave way. Illness
compelled her to retire from active work. She made her
home in Maryland, where she died (1914).

Miss Barton did not live to see her organization put to
the greatest test of its existence. In the great European War
just ended the American Red Cross was on every battle-
field and in every country, giving aid and comfort to the
afflicted. It stands today a living monument to the genius
of Miss Barton.

FRANCES E. WILLARD

1839-1898

TV/TANY, many years ago men and women always drank
•^^-^ wines and liquors at meals. It was an ordinary,
every-day affair for men to become drunk at the table.

As man grew wiser and thought more clearly he saw
that this injured him. As men worked more indoors they
saw that they must stop drinking.

This temperance movement, as it was called, gradually
grew big. One of the chief leaders in the movement was
Frances E. Willard, a native of New York State.

Her father was of English descent, and brave and strong.
Her mother was a woman of strong intellect and power.
Francis inherited these qualities from her parents.

When she was two years old the family moved to Ohio,
and three years later to the frontiers of Wisconsin.

Her early life was spent in the open air, giving her a
strong body, which prepared her for her great life work.

There were no schools near her home. Her mother was
her teacher, occasionally helped by a governess. When
Frances was ready for college the family moved to Evanston,
Illinois. She successfully finished the course at Evanston
and became a teacher.

266

FRANCES E. WILLARD 267

About this time her father, sister, and brother died.
This left her alone with her mother. The two women
made their home in Evanston, living in the cottage built
by her father. Frances called it "Rest Cottage."

For ten years Frances Willard taught in various schools
and colleges, supporting herself and mother.

When twenty-nine years old she visited Europe, spending
two years in travel and study, still preparing for her great
work in temperance.

On her return to America Frances Willard was made
President of Evanston College for Women. For the first
time in the world's history a woman was made a college
president. She conducted the college with skill and ability.
When the college was united with Northwestern University
she was made Dean of the women's department.

About this time the women of Ohio were starting an
energetic fight against the liquor traffic. A society was
formed, called the Women's Christian Temperance Union.

Miss Willard resigned her college position and entered
into the work with enthusiasm. She traveled all over the
United States, visiting every large city and many of the
smaller ones. She lectured against liquor, addressing meet-
ings everywhere.

In 1879 she was made President of the organization.
From this time on she gave all her time and energ>^ to
temperance work. For years she labored without salary.

'Tf a temperance union can be successful in America,
why not a union for all the world?" thought she. Toward
this end she worked until the World's Woman's Christian
Temperance Union was formed.

268 HEROES OF NATIONAL HISTORY

Temperance work was progressing rapidly. In many of
the states the movement gained great headway. In some
prohibition laws were passed.

' In 1893, at the Columbia Exposition in Chicago, dele-
gates came from all over the world to talk about temperance.
They wished to find some way to stop the reign of King
Alcohol. Miss Willard was made chairman of the World's
Temperance Convention.

Lady Henry Somerset, an English lady interested in
temperance, visited Miss Willard. They talked long and
earnestly together. Lady Somerset wanted Miss Willard
to visit England to help her in the work. Finally she
persuaded her to go.

In England Miss Willard was given a great welcome.
She talked to many audiences, telling them of the need of
temperance. She won their hearts by her gentleness and
earnestness and by her fine gift of oratory.

Four years later a great convention was held in London.
Representatives from all nations gathered together. Miss
Willard and Lady Somerset presided. A monster petition
was prepared. It had seven million names signed to it.
This petition was sent to all the nations. It requested them
to restrict the sale of intoxicating liquors and of opium.

The nations were not yet ready for this. None accepted.
It did not fail utterly however. It aroused public opinion
and made a great many people think about temperance.

Miss Willard had many interests besides her temperance
activities. She wrote several books, many magazine articles,
and numerous accounts for the papers.

The White Cross and the White Shield Societies received

HEROES OF' NATIONAL HISTORY 260

her hearty support and sympathy. She led many move-
ments leading toward purity.

Miss Willard was a strong leader. She was always
earnest, dignified, inspiring, and eloquent.

In 1897, though quite ill, she presided over the National
Women's Christian Temperance Union Convention. The
following year she passed away.

Miss Willard's work still Hves. From her death to the
present the temperance cause has grown. Individuals
became interested, states lent their support, and finally
nations were won over.

The great European War added the finishing touches.
Russia led the way. The manufacture and sale of intoxicat-
ing liquors were forbidden. England and France followed.
These were war measures.

In our own great country the movement grew stronger
and stronger. In 1918, twenty years after Miss Willard's
death, Congress made an amendment to our Constitution
forbidding the making or sale of intoxicants. The states
ratified this, and in January, 1920, an entire nation will
forbid the production of that which has caused so much
misery to the world — intoxicating liquor. ;

To Miss Willard at her death came an honor that has
been given to no other woman. The state of Illinois placed
her statue in Statuary Hall in the Capitol building at Wash-
ington. Illinois considered her one of the state's most
illustrious citizens.

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